Cate Blanchett Says MeToo Lost Momentum as Gender Imbalance Persists in Film Industry

Cate Blanchett said at the Cannes Film Festival that the momentum behind the MeToo movement faded too quickly and that gender imbalance remains a major problem in the film industry.

Speaking during a Cannes “Rendez-vous” conversation, Blanchett said she still sees far more men than women on film sets. “There’s 10 women and there’s 75 men,” she said, adding that homogeneous workplaces affect both the atmosphere and the creative work.

Blanchett argued that MeToo exposed “a systemic layer of abuse” across many industries, but said the conversation was shut down before enough progress was made. She noted that public figures can speak out more safely than ordinary women, who often face greater risks.

The Oscar-winning actor also praised major film festival leaders for pledging to improve representation in festival programming, saying audiences benefit from hearing different voices and perspectives.

Blanchett additionally revealed she is preparing to work with director Brady Corbet on a new film. Reports have also linked Selena Gomez to the project.