Cate Blanchett slams 'patriarchal' awards shows after accepting best actress prize

Cate Blanchett criticized the 'patriarchal pyramid' of Hollywood awards shows as she accepted the best actress gong from the Critics Choice Association in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Australian actor and Oscars frontrunner, whose performance as an ambitious, morally dubious conductor in classical music drama 'TAR' is sweeping awards, told a packed ballroom that she wished the whole 'structure' of awards shows could be changed. 'Because can I tell you, every single woman -- whether it's television, film, advertising, tampon commercials, whatever -- you're all out there doing amazing work that is inspiring me continually. Blanchett has previously accepted two Oscars for her work in 'Blue Jasmine' and 'The Aviator.' Several other awards shows, including the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the MTV Movie and TV Awards, and music's Grammy Awards, have switched to gender-neutral acting prizes. Blanchett's comments came moments after Brendan Fraser gave a highly emotional, choking speech in which he thanked voters for his best actor prize for 'The Whale.' 'I was in the wilderness. And I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs. But you found me,' Fraser told director Darren Aronofsky. The Critics Choice Awards are one of a raft of major award shows in the build up to the Oscars, which take place this year on March 12. The film finished the night with the most film wins on five, including best director for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, best original screenplay, best editing, and best supporting actor for Oscar favorite Ke Huy Quan. Among the night's television prizes, the sixth and last season of 'Breaking Bad' spinoff 'Better Call Saul' finally claimed its first best drama series win, as well as best actor for Bob Odenkirk and best supporting actor for Giancarlo Esposito.

Cate Blanchett slams 'patriarchal' awards shows after accepting best actress prize

"It's like, what is this patriarchal pyramid where someone stands up here?" Cate Blanchett said on Sunday, collecting her prize in the best actress category from the Critics Choice Association in Los Angeles.