The 10 best Cate Blanchett films 7. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Though she may have starred in her fair share of Hollywood blockbusters, from 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok to 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, no other role has so perfectly suited Blanchett’s ethereal presence than the Lady of Lothlórien herself, Galadriel. Dressed in shimmering white, and forever backlit to create the illusion of a halo, the elf queen is a momentary dream, offering a place of respite for the film’s heroes, as they recover from the loss of their leader, Gandalf (Ian McKellen). But Blanchett brings far more to the role than mere regal posturing; her enigmatic demeanour hints at danger as much as it does wisdom, as so memorably revealed in her moment of temptation, corrupted by the power of the Ring. In the actor’s hands, “All shall love me and despair!” becomes a chilling declaration. Clarisse Loughrey