Tearful Cate Blanchett drops the F-bomb as she calls for more Australian actors on screen in emotional acceptance speech at AACTA Awards
She wowed in an elegant black Armani gown as she arrived onto the red carpet at the AACTA awards on Wednesday night.
But while her arrival might have turned heads, Cate Blanchett's acceptance speech certainly raised eyebrows.
The 46-year-old dropped the F-bomb while on stage, collecting the Longford Lyell Award for outstanding contribution to Australian screen at the event on Wednesday night.
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Teary: Cate Blanchett swore on stage as she accepted an award at the fifth annual AACTA awards ceremony on Wednesday
Cate also used the speech to call for more Aussie actors to appear on screen in the tearful speech.
The beauty was honoured at the ceremony in Sydney, by actors Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving.
As she collected the award to a standing ovation a teary Cate said: 'Oh I've become one of those ridiculous people who cries it's just a f***ing award.'
Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and Robert Redford delivered video messages congratulating the actress
So thrilled: The Australian actress called for more Aussies on screen as she scooped the Longford Lyell Award
Firm friends: The beauty was presented with the award from her friend Gillian Armstrong and she welcomed her onto the stage with a warm embrace
But it was Gillian Armstrong, who directed Blanchett in her first film Oscar and Lucinda and who appeared in person, who garnered the greatest reaction from the actress.
Armstrong explained that she had to fight to convince the studio to hire Blanchett - who had just graduated from NIDA - and was basically convincing them to hire an Aussie to play an Aussie.
In her speech Cate said that more Australian actors should be cast and said: 'It's not a quota ... it needs to be fought for.'
Readdressing the balance: Cate called for more recognition for female actors too
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She also acknowledged how happy she was the award she received had had a name change to include Australian 19th century actress and film producer. 'Thank you for recognising Lottie Lyell and for expanding the award ,' she said.
'I think it's fantastic AACTAs is coming into the 21st century,' she said in a nod towards gender equality, as the film industry works towards having 50/50 gender equity in upcoming Australian projects.
Directors Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese both lamented the fact they'd only had the chance to work with Blanchett once and would love to do it again.
'You are brilliant and you do honour to your craft,' Ron Howard said.
The director of her upcoming film Carol, Todd Haynes, called the actress 'a beacon, a galaxy and a mensch.'
Dazzling: The 46-year-old actress looked sensationally in her black Armani gown as she arrived at the event on Wednesday night
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