Cate Blanchett’s famous Oscars moment, which featured her telling Julia Roberts to “suck it” during her Best Actress acceptance speech, left both viewers and attendees stunned and uncertain of the remark’s true meaning. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments in awards show history, centering the Cate Blanchett Oscars moment within Hollywood’s ongoing narrative about friendship, rivalry, and memorable live television.
A Surprising Statement at the Academy Awards
Both Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts have long stood out as leading figures in Hollywood, frequently crossing paths at major industry events. In 2014, when Blanchett was awarded the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in “Blue Jasmine,” she used her speech to issue a blunt message to Roberts—leaving the audience to question whether it was an inside joke, a display of competition, or the product of a deeper story between the two stars. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “August: Osage County,” left the ceremony without a win, as Lupita Nyong’o took home the prize for “12 Years a Slave.”
Speculation about a potential feud circulated immediately, amplified by the unexpected nature and candid tone of Blanchett’s remark. However, sources clarified that Blanchett and Roberts have been close friends for years, casting doubt on any suggestion of animosity between them. Their friendship serves as a foundation for the confusing nature of the Cate Blanchett Oscars moment, making spectators wonder if it was more playful than antagonistic.
The Story Behind the Remark
Prior to the ceremony, Blanchett and Roberts made a lighthearted pact. The agreement stipulated that, should either be called to the stage to accept an award, they would bid farewell to what they considered an unremarkable year in film with a memorable gesture. Reflecting that sentiment, 2013 had felt uneventful for both actresses, inspiring them to create an unforgettable Oscars sendoff.
During Blanchett’s acceptance speech, she said directly, “Julia, hashtag suck it.” The delivery, witnessed by millions as it was televised live to households worldwide, led to additional questions surrounding her intentions. When reporters approached Blanchett for an explanation backstage, she responded:
“It happened in the bar with Ms Roberts, and that’s all I’m prepared to say.”
– Cate Blanchett, Actor
Later, when pressed again regarding her speech, Blanchett looked directly into a camera and further escalated the playful tone, stating:
“Watch it, Julia, I’m coming for your ass.”
– Cate Blanchett, Actor
Aftermath and Public Reaction
The incident was far from forgotten. It resurfaced more than a year later when Blanchett appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” still drawing attention for the blunt nature of her live TV message. The memory of telling a fellow Oscar nominee to “suck it” remained fresh, sparking further forums of speculation about the real story behind the spectacle. On the show, Blanchett reflected on the context, sharing:
“It was a pretty crappy year, so it was like, ‘Farewell 2013,'”
– Cate Blanchett, Actor
“We said that if either of us had the good fortune to be up there, we had to kiss it on the ass, goodbye. I didn’t kiss her ass… I wouldn’t mind.”
– Cate Blanchett, Actor
This explanation highlighted the inherent humor and camaraderie between Blanchett and Roberts, although some felt it didn’t fully clarify why Roberts was specifically singled out during the speech, leaving the audience with lingering questions.
Years Later: A Lasting Memory
Nearly a decade following the Cate Blanchett Oscars moment, Blanchett found herself once again the center of awards season attention, this time as the Best Actress winner for “Tár” at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Julia Roberts, referencing their iconic Oscars exchange, gifted Blanchett a bottle of mouthwash backstage—a gesture filled with playful undertones that many may interpret in their own way, further cementing the moment’s legendary status in Hollywood’s award-show history.
The unexpected phrase during the Oscars remains a defining example of how friendships and industry traditions sometimes collide in public, unscripted ways. Viewed in context, this Cate Blanchett Oscars moment not only amused and bewildered millions but also deepened public curiosity about the personal relationships and humor that exist among the world’s most celebrated stars. As time passes, such moments ensure that both Blanchett and Roberts continue to be remembered for more than just their performances—they are remembered for their candidness and unpredictability when the world is watching.
