SANTA MONICA – Cate Blanchett, who picked up a best actress win for Woody Allen's “Blue Jasmine” today at the Independent Spirit Awards, is just as enthralled by the drama of award season as the rest of us.
After being introduced to the press following her win, the Oscar winner asked the room if they wanted to wait to see who won best actor. As Matthew McConaughey took the stage, Blanchett watched his speech from on a monitor in the press tent, before turning her attention back to her “Blue Jasmine” victory.
The film was Blanchett's first time working with Allen, and she commented on his writing and directing style. “99% of the direction happens in the script,” she said, explaining that he employs a sort of “benign neglect” with his cast. “He lets you go and see what you're going to throw against the material,” she elaborated.
“I think the hallmark of his career as a filmmaker is the casting,” she added, in reference to her “Jasmine” co-stars Sally Hawkins, Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay, and Bobby Cannavale.
Commenting on the increasingly tumultuous storm outside the press tent, Blanchett further joked, “Nice to know you all, if we all die here…”
However, the air soon cleared up, perhaps providing Blanchett with a good omen heading into the Oscars.