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Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett has promised to create a “creative rumpus” in her latest role, as a visiting professor at University of Oxford.
The Australian star is the latest in a long line of famous thespians to be appointed Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theater at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.
The position, which covers the 2026-27 academic year, will require Blanchett to participate in academic discussions, engage students and the wider university.
He follows in the footsteps of Stephen Sondheim, Ian McKellen, Arthur Miller, Meera Syal, Tom Stoppard, Adjoa Andoh, Stephen Fry, Diana Rigg, Trevor Nunn and Deborah Warner, among others who have worked on the project, which was founded in 1990 through a gift from theater producer Cameron Mackinto.
Blanchett described the nomination as an empowering opportunity. “Art breaks the limits and boundaries of our imagination; it raises questions, and playing with it and dividing it expands and challenges what we have,” he said.
“My years of creative practice have given me the opportunity to expand my ideas and provide me with analytical methods. The visiting professorship is an opportunity to be in direct, creative dialogue with the next generation of thinkers and creatives. I look forward to starting this.”
Jude Kelly, master of St Catherine’s College and one of the country’s leading theater directors and producers, said: “Cate Blanchett is one of the most important and well-known voices working today, not only because of her extensive work in the theatre, but also because of her long-term commitment to cultural dialogue, collaboration and social action.
“Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor exists to bring the world’s leading experts in conversation with students, scholars and audiences, and Cate’s appointment represents the next chapter in that conversation.”
Mackintosh added: “I’m delighted that Cate Blanchett has agreed to be our returning professor.
Blanchett has appeared in many popular films, including Tár, Carol, Blue Jasmine, Elizabeth and Lord of the Rings. He has performed on Broadway and in the West End and was an accomplished director of a well-known Sydney troupe. Theater Company between 2008 and 2013.
He also hosted BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, declared a leaf-shooting war and recently found himself among a he’s planning a row at his Cornish mansion.
