Cate Blanchett Talks Importance of Older Female Audiences: Women Don't Stop Consuming Culture ''Once They Stop Menstruating''

Plus, actress talks unequal pay in Hollywood and being a working mom

By Bruna Nessif Mar 24, 2015 12:48 AMTags
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Cate Blanchett stuns on the April cover of Vogue Australia while also addressing some very important issues in the industry.

The 45-year-old star posed in a series of elegant shots photographed by Emma Summerton on location at the "Jack House" in Sydney, and while looking absolutely radiant in a number of pattern outfits accessorized by large jewels and a black headwrap, Blanchett discussed the inequality surrounding women in Hollywood.

"Tina Fey wrote in Bossypants that any woman in Hollywood who's no longer considered f--kable is ignored," interviewer Anna Funder began, "In the era of Judi Dench and Meryl Streep and other actresses we love, can this really be true, or are they exceptions?"

Blanchett simply stated, "Female audiences are driving the change, I think. Women don't stop consuming cultural product once they stop menstruating."

In fact, the award-winning actress was surprised by the fact that people are even shocked to hear that there's still gender inequality when it comes to compensation.

"People were surprised? There are countless industries around the world where women in top positions are not equally remunerated for equal work," she tells the mag.

In a slight turn of conversation, Cate, who recently revealed that she adopted a baby girl, explained how life changes with children. "Children certainly teach one about compromise. I think before having children the idea of compromise rubbed shoulders with weakness or deception in some way," she says.

"Children are spirited, passionate, political, demanding. They are also heartbreaking. They constantly extend parents and so parents are constantly confronted with their failures, don't you think? I'd rather presently live life this way than not."

The actress opened up about daughter Edith Vivian Patricia Upton for the first time when she attended the premiere of Cinderella at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, recently. "Fourth time around," the actress, also mom to sons Dashiell, 13, Roman, 10, and Ignatius, 6, told Sky News. "It's extraordinary."

Blanchett, who has been married to playwright Andrew Upton for 17 years, explained why they decided to adopt a baby girl. "There's a lot of children out there who don't have the good fortune that our biological children do, so it's wonderful," she revealed. "It's wonderful to welcome a little girl into our fold."

The Academy Award winner, who wore a Roksanda Ilincic dress, added, "We're besotted."

The couple's adoption news was made public March 6.