Cate Blanchett says #MeToo movement 'got killed very quickly' at Cannes

Blanchett noted that women are still frequently outnumbered on film sets and progress toward equality has been uneven

Cate Blanchett has said the #MeToo movement lost momentum faster than expected, describing it as something that “got killed very quickly,” during a conversation at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Oscar-winning actor made the comments while reflecting on gender inequality in the film industry, suggesting that while the movement initially created meaningful change and accountability, its long-term impact has not been sustained at the level many had hoped.

Blanchett directly addressed the backlash and fading urgency around the movement, saying it “got killed very quickly,” a remark that underscored her concern that structural change in Hollywood has stalled rather than progressed.

She also spoke more broadly about her experience working in the industry, noting that women are still frequently outnumbered on film sets and that progress toward equality has been uneven and inconsistent despite years of public discussion.

Blanchett, a two-time Oscar winner, has long been one of Hollywood’s most vocal advocates for gender equity. Her Cannes appearance continues that history of activism, which includes participating in red carpet protests during the height of the #MeToo movement.

Her latest remarks have reignited conversation around whether the movement led to lasting reform in Hollywood or whether its early momentum has faded without producing deeper systemic change.