Cate Blanchett’s performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998), directed by Shekhar Kapur, is widely considered one of her most iconic and career-defining roles. She portrays Elizabeth Tudor during her early years, from her imprisonment under Queen Mary I to her rise and consolidation of power as the Queen of England. The film explores her political and personal struggles, culminating in her transformation into the “Virgin Queen.”

Kapur’s original choice for the role was Emily Watson, but she turned it down. Cate Blanchett was chosen to play Elizabeth after Kapur saw a trailer of Oscar and Lucinda. This was the performance that catapulted Blanchett to international stardom. She moves from a young, naïve woman to a commanding, almost mythic ruler with chilling authority. Blanchett balances vulnerability, intelligence, and steely resolve with remarkable depth. Her refined, precise speech adds a regal quality that reinforces the historical authenticity of her character.

Elizabeth premiered at the 55th Venice International Film Festival on September 8, 1998 and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on October 23. The film became a critical and commercial success. Reviewers praised Kapur’s direction, costume design, production values and most notably Blanchett’s titular performance, bringing her to international recognition, while the film grossed $82 million against its $30 million budget.

The film received three nominations at the 56th Golden Globe Awards, including for the Best Motion Picture – Drama, with Blanchett winning Best Actress. It received twelve nominations at the 52nd British Academy Film Awards, winning five awards, including Outstanding British Film, and Best Actress (for Blanchett). At the 71st Academy Awards, it received seven nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Actress (for Blanchett), winning Best Makeup.