Cate Blanchett Critiques Trump's Tariff on International Films: Hollywood as a 'Chimera'

Cate Blanchett Unleashes Scathing Attack on Donald Trump's Movie Tariffs: "Hollywood is a Chimera!"

In a fiery speech at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett took aim at President Donald Trump's plan to impose 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made films, declaring that Hollywood is "a chimera" and that filmmakers thrive off their multiculturalism.

The 56-year-old superstar, who has spent decades working outside of the United States, revealed that she had barely set foot on American soil throughout her three-decade career. Speaking candidly to a packed room, Blanchett shared her own experiences as an international actress, pointing out that her breakout film Elizabeth (1998) was made with a blend of different nationalities.

"Hollywood is a chimera," she declared. "The number of times I've worked on American terra firma, I could probably count on one hand. Invariably, you will shoot out of country." Blanchett went on to emphasize the importance of international collaboration in filmmaking, highlighting her own experiences working with artists from around the world.

This month, Trump announced his plan to impose steep tariffs on foreign-made films, claiming he wanted to "make movies American again." The move has sent shockwaves through the film industry, raising fears about the future of global collaboration. But Blanchett is not impressed. In fact, she's got a bone to pick with Trump.

"Hollywood is not just a place; it's a concept," she said. "It's a chimera. Queen Elizabeth was played by an Australian [me], directed by a man from Bollywood [Shekhar Kapur], filmed in the UK. That's the reality of how films are made." Blanchett's comments come as Trump prepares to impose tariffs on foreign-made films, claiming they pose a "National Security threat."

But what exactly does this mean for international filmmakers? Will the tariff apply to movies on streaming services as well as those shown in cinemas? And will it lead to a slowdown in the production of TV shows, an increasingly popular and profitable sector of production?

According to analysts, the potential policy could have far-reaching consequences. "There's also a risk of retaliatory tariffs against American content overseas," said Barton Crockett, an analyst with Rosenblatt Securities. "Raising the cost to produce movies could lead studios to make less content."

As for Blanchett, she remains unconcerned about Trump's plans. In fact, she's been around the block enough times to know that the only way to navigate the pressures of fame and online scrutiny is to develop a thick skin.

"You learn very quickly the five people whose uncompromising and often brutal opinions you really seek out so you can keep growing," she said. "And the rest, you have to tune yourself out to the white noise of it all."

Despite decades of success, Blanchett remains humble and grounded, crediting her husband Andrew Upton, a playwright, with keeping her sane. "He says, 'You'll be fine!' He no longer converses with me about it after 28 years of marriage," she laughed.

In the end, Blanchett's message is clear: filmmaking thrives off its multiculturalism, and Hollywood is not just a place – it's a concept that brings people together from all over the world. And as for Trump's plans? Well, let's just say Cate Blanchett won't be losing any sleep over them.

This article was originally published on thescholarlynote.com