Cate Blanchett to become visiting Oxford professor

Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett has been announced as a new visiting professor at the University of Oxford.

The two-time Oscar winner will teach contemporary theatre at St Catherine's College throughout the 2026/27 academic year.

The visiting professorship was established in 1990, with previous incumbents including Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Myra Syal and Dame Diana Rigg.

Commenting on her appointment, Blanchett said she was "looking forward to beginning this creative rumpus".

"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," the Australian star said.

Blanchett has won two Oscars in her storied career - first for her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator and then for her role in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

The 57-year-old initially rose to fame with her role as Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth and has since starred in the Lord Of The Rings, Ocean's 8, Carol, Notes on a Scandal and Tar.

She has also starred on stage on both the West End and Broadway.

During Blanchett's year as the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre, she will present lectures whilst engaging with students and the wider university community.

"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," she said.

"My years of creative practice have granted me the opportunity of sharpening feelings into ideas and offered pathways to insight."

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the theatrical producer and theatre owner who created the visiting professor role, said he was "thrilled" that Blanchett had agreed to take on the role.

"I know that her incredible career, both as an actor and producer across stage, screen and television, will be a major inspiration to Oxford's students," he added.