Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett to teach Contemporary Theatre at Oxford

Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett has been appointed Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University's St Catherine's College for 2026-27. The Oscar-winning actor will engage with students through lectures and discussions, bringing her extensive experience in theatre, film, arts leadership and creative practice to the role.

In Short

• Cate Blanchett appointed Visiting Professor at Oxford for 2026-27
• Blanchett has a strong theatre background and film accolades
• She joins a list of esteemed past visiting professors

Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, where she will teach contemporary theatre at St Catherine's College during the 2026-27 academic year.

The two-time Academy Award winner joins a distinguished list of artists who have held the prestigious position since it was established in 1990. Previous visiting professors include Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Diana Rigg, and Dame Myra Syal.

A CELEBRATED CAREER ACROSS STAGE AND SCREEN

While Blanchett is best known for her acclaimed film career, she also has an extensive background in theatre. Between 2008 and 2013, she served as co-Artistic Director and co-CEO of the Sydney Theatre Company alongside Andrew Upton. During her tenure, she helped lead one of the world's foremost theatre institutions while championing new productions, sustainability initiatives, and international artistic collaborations.

Her stage career includes collaborations with renowned directors such as Liv Ullmann, Benedict Andrews, Katie Mitchell, and Thomas Ostermeier. On screen, Blanchett has earned widespread acclaim, winning two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. Beyond acting, she is also recognised globally for her work as a producer, arts advocate, and humanitarian.

'AN ELECTRIFYING OPPORTUNITY'

Commenting on her appointment, Blanchett said: "Art breaks down the borders and boundaries of our imagination; it poses questions, and playing with and dissecting it expands and challenges our present reality. My years of creative practice have granted me the opportunity of sharpening feelings into ideas and offered pathways to insight," as reported by the University of Oxford.

"The visiting professorship is an electrifying opportunity for me to be in direct, robust creative dialogue with the next generation of thinkers and creative doers. I look forward to beginning this creative rumpus."

During her tenure, Blanchett will contribute to a programme of lectures, conversations, and student engagement activities, continuing the professorship's long-standing tradition of connecting contemporary artistic practice with academic enquiry and public life.

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