Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett is set to join the University of Oxford as a visiting professor for the 2026/27 academic year.

The two-time Oscar winner will be teaching contemporary theatre at St Catherine's College, bringing her extensive experience from stage and screen to the academic institution.

This appointment offers a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with a highly acclaimed figure in the performing arts.

Blanchett shared her enthusiasm for the new role, stating she is "looking forward to beginning this creative rumpus." She described the visiting professorship as an "electrifying opportunity" to engage in "direct, robust creative dialogue with the next generation of thinkers and creative doers."

As the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre, Blanchett will deliver lectures and interact with students and the broader university community.

She emphasized the transformative power of art, noting, "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." She also highlighted how her years of creative practice have honed her ability to translate feelings into ideas and gain insights.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the theatrical producer who established the visiting professorship in 1990, expressed his delight at Blanchett's acceptance.

He believes her "incredible career, both as an actor and producer across stage, screen and television, will be a major inspiration to Oxford's students." Previous holders of this prestigious position include notable figures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Meera Syal, and Dame Diana Rigg.

Blanchett's distinguished career includes Oscar wins for her roles in *The Aviator* and *Blue Jasmine*.

She gained early recognition for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film *Elizabeth* and has since appeared in major productions like *The Lord Of The Rings*, *Ocean's 8*, *Carol*, *Notes on a Scandal*, and *Tar*.

Her stage work includes performances on both the West End and Broadway.