Cate Blanchett, the two-time Oscar winner known for her fierce performances and captivating screen presence, has never been one to mince words. So, it comes as no surprise that, at the recent Kering Women in Motion talk during the Cannes Film Festival, she tackled the ongoing issue of pay disparity unapologetically.
Blanchett’s frustration was palpable, and her message resonated deeply. A lot of women working in Hollywood have spoken out against the issue. The idea of pay disparity being a thing has always been around.
“It’s Hard To Get Paid As An Actress”: Cate Blanchett Calls For Transparency
Speaking alongside her producing partner Coco Francini, Blanchett didn’t shy away from expressing her exasperation.”We’re still struggling with the idea of equal pay for equal work?” she shared. This wasn’t just a throwaway comment.
Blanchett has long been an advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, and her voice carries the weight of experience. However, the change she aspires for is still not there. Think about it, a Hollywood A-lister, someone with undeniable talent and a proven track record, still faces a battle for fair compensation. That still being a possibility is a painful reality.
Additionally, Blanchett went beyond mere frustration, though. She called for a shift in how the industry operates. “We’re open about all the other aspects of the process,” she pointed out, “except money.” There’s a sense of secrecy surrounding salaries, which only perpetuates the pay gap.
Her proposed solution? Transparency. “I think the more transparent all that stuff is, the more you can work out how the money is flowing and where it needs to flow and where it’s not flowing yet,” she said. Imagine a world where actresses can openly discuss their salaries and fight for fair compensation based on merit, not gender. Wouldn’t that be refreshing?
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Cate Blanchett Herself Is Taking Steps To Curb Pay Disparity
Blanchett isn’t just talking the talk, she’s walking the walk. Her production company, Dirty Films, is taking concrete steps to address the imbalance. “We decided our mandate moving forward for all our projects would be: you must interview a woman and you must interview a person of color,” Francini revealed at the talk.
Additionally, this commitment to diversity not only expands the creative pool but also sends a powerful message about inclusion and fairness. Cate Blanchett’s Kering Women in Motion Talk wasn’t just another industry event. It was a wake-up call. Consequently, her frustration is a reflection of a larger problem.
However, her proposed solutions, transparency, open communication, and a commitment to diversity offer a roadmap for progress. Hopefully, the industry will listen. It’s time to move beyond the “boring” conversation about equal pay and start taking concrete action. After all, as Blanchett said, “Let’s just get on with it.” The talented women of Hollywood deserve nothing less.
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