Marvel star Cate Blanchett has taken up a teaching role at the University of Oxford. Beyond screen work, Blanchett previously co-led Sydney Theatre Company as co-artistic director and co-CEO, 2008-2013. She also serves as a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency.
Cate Blanchett lands professor gig at University of Oxford
Cate Blanchett is the University of Oxford’s new Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre for the 2026-27 year.
The Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professorship began in 1990, funded by theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Today, it’s still counted among Oxford’s top arts appointments.
With this new role, Blanchett enters an elite roster. The post has previously been held by Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Meera Syal, Dame Diana Rigg, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Miller, Tom Stoppard, and Stephen Fry. Blanchett succeeds artist and set designer Es Devlin.
Speaking on her appointment, the Lord of the Rings star shared that she was “looking forward to beginning this creative rumpus”. Blanchett will deliver lectures and engage with students and the broader Oxford community. The Australian actress will be based at St Catherine’s College for the 2026-27 academic year.
“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,” Blanchett said, per BBC.
“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,” the 57-year-old star continued. “My years of creative practice have granted me the opportunity of sharpening feelings into ideas and offered pathways to insight,” Blanchett added.
Meanwhile, Sir Cameron Mackintosh has said that he was “thrilled” that Blanchett had accepted the position.
“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 said.
Cate Blanchett became iconic as Hela in Thor: Ragnarok. Her acclaimed film work also includes Elizabeth, The Aviator, Blue Jasmine, Carol, and Tár. Her awards tally includes 2 Oscars, 4 BAFTAs, and 4 Golden Globes.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi for Mandatory.
