cate-eblanchett

[cate-eblanchett]

Cate Banchett watched as Jessica's eyebrows arched higher, a silent acknowledgment of the tempest they were navigating. She could see the struggle in Jessica's eyes, the effort to maintain composure in this public setting. As Jessica spoke, her words a mix of justification and firm security about her feelings for her partner, when Jessica pointed out the lack of transparency regarding Jenna, Cate's heart clenched. She knew there was truth in those words; her relationship with Jenna had indeed been changing and escalating from a friendship into something else or at least that's what Cate was feeling and wanted to believe that it was mutual with the designer, "You're right," Cate admitted, her voice low and tinged with regret for not being vocal about what was happening with Jenna. "I was secretive, but I have been that way all the time" She felt her cheeks warm, a slight flush spreading across her skin, not just from the vodka but from the emotional rollercoaster of the conversation.

Cate watched as Jessica downed her drink, a mirror to her own turmoil. The mention of rules, of the boundaries they'd set or failed to set, resonated with her and regretted about not being clear from the beginning. "I know, we should have talked about it and be clear, I thought everything was clear until it ended abruptly," Her voice was gentle this time, an attempt to soothe the tone of their conversation. "I know you love me, I love you too, we were friends, only friends and the best of all of them in this crazy industry before sex" she chuckled and had a sip of her fresh drink "and sex was so fucking good" the blonde pointed out holding her glass in hand as she emphatized that and let out a chuckle now that she was closer to the tipsy state but being honest and clear about everything she was saying "you love me and I love you" she repeated "it's just...that it seems that I ruin all my deep relationships or maybe I'm just so sensitive because one year ago i was supposed to be getting married in a day like today and look at me, I've been playing to be a fucking player and...whatever" she muttered "I'm not lecturing you or judging you, i'm just worried about you, offended in some level I've been replaced in the blink of an eye," she added, snapping her fingers for effect. She let out a long breath, scanning the room before her eyes settled back on Jess, a complex blend of emotions reflected in her gaze.

She shook her head making a pause "wait...what? do you think Stef could ever give up on you that easily? ha!" she laughed "you're insane" Cate shook her head as she put the glass against her lips lingering the vodka for a couple of seconds as she tried to process all the information "no one would ever let you go, she must be crazy about you, who wouldn't?". When Jessica suggested that Cate should take a similar risk with Jenna, it was like a call to arms. Cate felt the weight of those words, the reminder of life's brevity and the folly of self-imposed limitations. "You're the brave one here, Jess," Cate whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "she is amazing and she drives me crazy...but she might leave soon too, especially after some changes that may come to my life soon and i'm not ready to watch her go too" She paused, looking into her drink, seeing not just the alcohol but the reflection of her own hesitations. "Maybe I should try, a new heartbreak can't kill me" she murmured, more to herself than to Jessica, and chuckled again. "you repaired me in so many ways, maybe that's why it's hard to let you go in the way I get to have you for some months and i know it's selfish but we're being brutally honest so" she shrugged. "and i'm not asking you to sleep with me again, i know that part is over, and it's a shame" she joked letting out a laugh, then shook her head "sorry" she tried to keep serious and compose herself "but you know what i mean... i don't know if we're going to get back to be what we used to be before all this"

Jess tried to hide the way her eyebrows rose further at the situation being called a storm, even though on the outside it sure seemed to be one, and instead tried to swallow it down and ignore it. There was no way to properly apologize here, but as Jessica tried to rationalize it, what did she have to apologize for that she didn't already? "I didn't even know how serious and deep it was at the start," she retorted over the rim of her glass, "and hey, things spiraled and I can't take them back, no matter how much they'd fix things. Maybe we should've laid better ground rules for this to avoid all the...mess of it. I don't know." It's possible that that would've helped, but if Jess was as avoidant with her feelings as she was about the way things ended, it could've backfired just as badly as this did.

She listened to the way Cate spoke of the designer, how her face lit up, and all Jess saw in it was confirmation that this had turned into a situation not too dissimilar from her own. "It wasn't a secret, but you were secretive," the actress corrected, "I knew her as your friend. Just feels like the pot calling the kettle black, but..." Her voice trailed off, and the offense that she tried to hide on her face at the idea of not taking her time was fully visible. They were still in public, with plenty of people exchanging glances over at the bar, so Jess dialed it back after a split second, but that one stung. "You sure sound like someone accusing me of rushing into things with her. But what do I know? You have the clear moral high ground here."

The rest of her drink was downed after the questions, as she tried to swallow that and the next one that had left the older woman's lips. She set her glass down, gesturing to the bartender that she too was in need of another one, before her palms rested against the wood of the bar uneasily. "You and I...Cate, I love you in a very different way than that. We were never..." Her eyebrows knitted together. "We never put ourselves in a position to feel that for each other. That was, like, the one friends with benefits rule we managed to follow. Right?" Jessica brought red hair from in front of her shoulder to behind with one flick of her hand. "But the fact that I fell in love with her has nothing to do with what you and I were or weren't doing. You know that, don't you? It's important to me that you know that I was against that with everyone, not just with you. I mean, fuck, I even danced around it with her for a minute there."

She ducked her head a little bit to stare at the wood grain underneath her hands. "And I am scared to death of her hurting me or changing her mind about me or, hell, thinking that it's too fast the way you clearly do. But I'm taking a risk and loving her anyway and if I pay for it, I pay for it." Jess cut her thought short when the bartender came back with round two, only speaking again when they were out of earshot. "You ought to take a page out of that book with Jenna, because life is...life is seriously too fucking short to limit yourself."

[cate-eblanchett]

As Jessica spoke of the unexpected turn her life had taken, Cate's heart twisted, maybe there was some jealousy in that or maybe it was just the fact that she was not aware of all these changes and she hated that. She remembered the ease, the laughter, the intimacy they shared, now overshadowed "I know," Cate murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "We were all caught in the storm, weren't we?" Her words were heavy with the weight of missed connections and the abrupt end to what they had.

When Jessica confirmed her happiness, Cate felt glad but at the same time there was a feeling of why they couldn't provide that happiness to each other. She managed a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm glad, I just wish I had known how serious and deep this was, we didn't want anything serious and suddenly you were so immersed in a serious relationship" she said, the words tasting bitter. Her own life had been a puzzle of moving on, of trying to avoid any deep feelings and suffer again, even if these emotions were changing slowly even if she rejected to admit any kind of deepness in her relationship with her now closest friend, Jenna, but the void left by Jessica's departure was hard to fill. "I'm... it's complicated," she admitted when asked about herself, her tone laced with the turmoil she kept hidden.

The mention of Jenna made Cate look up, her eyes locking with Jessica's, her breath catching in her throat. She managed a small, and sweet smile. "Jenna..." she exhaled, the name slipping out like a long-held secret. Her gaze held a mix of vulnerability and confession. "There was nothing to share before; you knew I was seeing other people too, and until then, it was just sex... I think things between us are changing slowly... yes, they are changing" she whispered, admitting something she hadn't even fully acknowledged to herself. "It wasn't a secret that I was doing it... you didn't seem to mind, and if I were to make things official with her, which hasn't happened yet, I would have told you first," she clarified, her voice soft yet earnest, "I'm taking my time... unlike you" she said and then regretted immediately "I'm not accusing you of anything, I guess both were and still are in different stages, you were ready to fall in love with someone, I wasn't then, but I can't help but wonder, why did it happen to you so fast and not with me?" maybe the liquor was having effect on her and she was opening up easily and talking from the gut. Before Jessica could answer, Cate ordered another drink, she had emptied her glass and she needed another drink if she wanted to keep up with the conversation and ready to hear more truths and make more confessions.

Jess narrowed her eyes slightly at the idea that this was the only place Cate would have a chance to see her at, wanting to rebut that despite the string of truth in it. She wasn't unreachable by any means, but she'd been traveling more over the past two months than she had the rest of the year - even getting her to an event like today had to have her calendar cleared months in advance, an invitation that she couldn't get out of. "I want that, too," she replied with a little nod of her head, "to clear this all up and then hopefully put it behind us." None of this would've been worth losing such a good friend over, Jess was certain of that, so she wanted to be careful with how she approached this.

"Look, I didn't...I could not have predicted that what happened was what was going to happen, Cate. You know better than anybody that I was not in the business of seeking something more serious out. It was really sudden, we were both...pretty blindsided by it." Sure, things had accelerated between her and the singer beyond probably anyone's belief, all things considered, but that didn't mean she was going to backpedal on any of it or refute it. "But I do want you in my life. Did I do a shitty job at showing that?" The rhetorical question hung in the air for a second as she crossed her legs, focused on steadying her balance and turning more toward Cate. "Yes. And I'm sorry that I didn't do better. You deserved a better end to that chapter, we both did."

When asked if she was happy, Jess felt her shoulders sink in relief as she nodded. "Very happy." She settled on, even though that barely scratched the surface of how she was feeling with Stef. "And you?" Jess tilted her head to the side, knocking the side of Cate's shin lightly with her heel. Her own voice lowered, in a way that was eerily calm. "Since we're in the business of airing uncomfortable topics, I should let you know that I kinda put two and two together on the whole Jenna of it all. If we're gonna talk about deserving to know things, that's a whole other Pandora's box that you never opened while we were sleeping together."

[cate-eblanchett]

Cate watched Jessica move swiftly, she studied the other woman carefully as if she was in presence of someone almost stranger her own movements measured and deliberate trying to be careful with every word and look exchanged in that room in order to avoid misunderstandings beyond the already existent between the two actresses. She noted the tight smile on Jessica's face, the subtle signs of discomfort that mirrored her own feelings. As they settled near the bar a ritual they knew well but that this time felt very different. The bartender's departure left them in a bubble of silence, punctuated only by the clinking of glasses as they toasted, Cate knew she would need more than a couple of drinks that day. She took another sip, her eyes never leaving Jessica, as she lingered the liquor in her mouth enjoying the strong flavor of it while she was trying to read the storm of emotions behind those blue eyes in front of her.

Cate listened as Jessica spoke of her new relationship, the mention of Stefani stirring a complex array of feelings within her. She still felt it was too soon, too intense and what bothered her the most was the fact she didn't know until things were more than serious between Jessica and her new partner when they we supossed to be best friends and more. She appreciated Jessica's attempt to compartmentalize their lives, but it was clear that avoiding the topic wouldn't mend what needed healing between them because that only time that they talked about it was not enough for Cate, who might be selfish for believing she deserved more explanations, further than the brief conversation she had with Jess weeks ago where she mentioned she was with someone and her "friends with benefits" thing was over without more to say between them.

"I understand," Cate responded gently, her gaze steady. "And you're right, this isn't the ideal place but it's the only kind of place where I get to see you now" Her tone was serious and a reclaim about their lack of communication. She glanced around at the oblivious crowd, then back at Jessica. "Assumptions... I think they've kept us apart, haven't they?" Cate took another sip, letting the liquid fortify her resolve. "I want to clear things up, Jess. Not just for closure, but because I value what we had. What we still could have, as friends just like we were before getting into that agreement." Her voice was earnest, the words coming from a place of genuine care and respect for what they once shared. "Maybe we've both been assuming too much, because I thought you would tell me as soon as you met someone and not until you were already in love with that someone" Cate admitted, her fingers tracing the condensation on her glass. "I guess you didn't want me in this new chapter in your life but i deserved to know and don't get me wrong. i'm happy if you are happy but you practically kicked me out of your life" She leaned in slightly, her voice was soft and almost in a whisper so no one around could hear a word of what she was saying "but you are happy, aren't you?" she stared at her signaling her readiness to listen, to truly hear Jessica, in hopes of rebuilding some of what was lost but also as a way to take off her chest all the things she has been keeping inside and that have been annoying her, maybe cate didn't even know how much it has bothered her during weeks.

The agreement to go to the bar had Jessica smiling tightly, because it felt like the easiest way to get through this afternoon - and get through being around Cate again with what felt like a storm cloud looming over both of them - was going to be aided by the bartender. A neutral third party, the thought of which had Jess picking her pace up once she found a spot open at the bar for the two of them. She picked up the loose edge of the dress she'd been strapped into for the day, lifting herself onto the seat and turning her body toward the other actress once she was settled. Being ordered for had Jess's eyebrows raising slightly, but she didn't speak up other than a quiet 'thank you' to the blonde. Even after all this, something so simple as having a drink order down felt more daunting than they'd both care to admit.

With another gratitude to that third party that'd brought their drinks, Jess wished she could've somehow convinced them to linger for longer. Save them from their own devices in the silence that surely was going to follow. But alas, they were already off closing the next tab, helping the next patron, and Jess reached for the glass with a pursed smile. "Cheers," she agreed, lightly raising her own before she (somewhat urgently) took a sip, "and yeah. Intense is a good way of putting it." The redhead rested the glass back in front of her, tapping the rim of it with her fingernails before brushing the lipstick stain she'd left behind. Her wish to blissfully avoid the topic in front of them went unanswered, and blue eyes moved back to Cate's with a slight shake of her head. "I assumed you wouldn't want to hear about my new relationship." Jess wanted to keep it at that, because she'd done so much at keeping Stefani and Cate as two different file folders in her head that the idea of merging them had her taking another swig of the cocktail.

"I also assumed you wouldn't want to talk about something along those lines at a venue like this." Jess waved her hand lightly around them, at all the people that so were not paying attention to the conversation inside their little bubble, and so wished she had the damn bartender hovering over them like she wanted. With a little sigh, she relented for a brief moment. "Maybe I've been assuming too much, so...if you want to clear things up, I'm all ears."

[cate-eblanchett]

As Jessica approached, Cate's heart did an uncomfortable flip, a mix of nostalgia and unresolved tension. She watched Jessica closely, noting the subtle signs of nervousness - the clearing of her throat, the forced laugh. Cate acknowledged the compliment with a gentle smile, her eyes never leaving Jessica's. "Thank you, Jess." she responded, the mention of the drink in Cate's hand brought a light chuckle from her. She appreciated Jessica's attempt to steer the conversation towards something lighter "I need something stronger so, sure, let's get you one" Cate replied, her tone casual yet careful. She gestured towards the bar, leading the way with a grace that belied the turmoil inside her. As they walked, she pondered over the past year, the transition from friends, to lovers to friends again or whatever they were now without even talk about it out loud.

At the bar, she ordered for both of them, her mind racing with thoughts on how to rebuild what had been lost, or perhaps, how to redefine what they could be to each other now. The new year was, after all, a time for new beginnings, and maybe, just maybe, they could find a way back to each other, albeit differently this time. While they waited for their drinks, the atmosphere between Cate and Jessica seemed charged with a mix of relief and tension. Cate took her glass, the golden liquid reflecting the lights of the room, and looked at Jessica, "Cheers to the new year," Cate said, raising her glass, trying to dispel some of the tension with a smile she hoped would be infectious. After taking a sip, Cate leaned slightly against the bar, observing the crowd but aware of every move Jessica made. "It's been an intense year, hasn't it?" she commented, opening the door to a deeper conversation. She didn't want to force the issue, but she felt that if they didn't talk about what had happened, the weight would remain there, invisible but palpable, the soft music of the event provided a backdrop to their words, creating a bubble of intimacy , Cate decided it was time to be a bit more direct, but with tact. "I feel like we haven't had the chance to... clear things up, or talk about how are things with you and your new relationship" she said, her voice lowering before taking a big sip from her drink.

The holidays seemed to have flown by for Jess - hell, maybe the whole month of December had come and gone in a blink. She was between projects, nothing new in the works until the spring, so her winter free time had mostly consisted of keeping a low profile with her kids and with Stef. That was the way Jess preferred it, and if she could've kept it that way forever, she would have. But duty called again, shortly after New Years, and that duty was the beginning of awards season. As much as she enjoyed getting to catch up with the friends she didn't get to see on a regular basis, the little taste of normalcy over the past few months whilst out of the public eye had been good for her. Idyllic, even. It was hard to go from that to makeup chairs, tight dresses, and the prospect of gladhanding strangers.

Maybe what was worse was the idea of seeing Cate again since things had fallen quiet between them. And that idea, fortunately and unfortunately, didn't strike her until she was in the ballroom of the hotel and across the way from her. Things weren't...bad between them. They were still friends, or at least Jess had assumed. It just wasn't as clean of a break going from friends that sleep together to friends that don't. The cyclone that she'd picked with Stef had wrapped her too heavily in her own head to work toward something cleaner. Jess was going to kick herself over that from now until forever, because having to take pictures with the blonde and act like everything truly was okay stung.

"Hey," she started once their mutual friend was at bay and they had a quieter moment to themselves, "thank you. You look incredible." The redhead cleared her throat after a moment, seemingly to fill the silence that was screaming at her even in a room as packed as this one. She could easily wander off, pretend to see someone else in the crowd beckon her over just to free herself from this, but it wouldn't be right. And it was a new year, after all. No time like the present to start figuring out where she went wrong here. "I need to get me one of those." Jess pointed with a manicured finger to the glass that Cate was holding, with a brief laugh. "Care to join me at the bar?"

[cate-eblanchett]

Now that we don't talk// Cate & Jessica

The new year was brimming with promises of change and the hope for only positive developments. The holiday season was traditionally a time for reflection and family, yet for Cate, it was also a period of relentless work. As the awards season approached, she found herself nominated for several awards, which was not a complain at all for the actress but a lot of extra work. That morning, Cate was expected at a luncheon hosted by the members of the Foreign Press Association, an event attended by both current nominees and past winners of the Golden Globes. Despite the festive spirit, she had to leave her children at the hotel, temporarily pausing their holiday cheer for the sake of professional engagements. These social events were not just about celebration but also about self-promotion, a strategic move in the competitive world of awards. Accompanied by her closest confidantes and her beauty team, Elizabeth and Mary, Cate prepared for the event. Her look was meticulously crafted: subtle makeup, her blonde hair styled in soft waves, and she wore a stunning white Balmain jumpsuit this piece was sleeveless with a deep V-neckline, accentuated by a large, ornate brooch that made a bold statement. Mary urged her to hurry, hinting at another celebrity client awaiting her services. When Cate inquired, Mary's reluctance to name names spoke volumes. "I know who it is," Cate remarked, her tone lacking its usual enthusiasm as she guessed it might be Jessica Chastain, another frequent client of Mary's. Their shared history was complex, having a tight bond over the years that becoming into something more intimate and with it, more complicated for several months leading an abrupt end. Although Cate made it look like everything was fine, something in that friendship seemed somehow broken.

Her arrival to the hotel where the reception was taking place, it was like watching a seasoned swimmer dive into familiar waters. She moved with a grace that belied the undercurrents of her emotions, engaging in light conversation, socializing, talking about her plans for the new year, her past holidays and of course rencountering with new and old friends and colleagues avoiding to all cost crossing looks with the red-haired that seemed so close but still too far from the australian actress, but cate couldn't avoid her forever, when a friend in common brought them together to take a photograph "Hello Jess, Nice to see you again, you look incredible" Cate said when they were left by themselves in the middle of the crowd, and when finally cate took a moment to really look at jessica, the australian with a drink in hand and no witnesses of what they have been hiding for weeks now about their complicated friendship. @jessicachastaain

[cate-eblanchett]

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! I'm so grateful for each and every single one of you, both in this one year and in the grand scheme of life. You have brought endless joy into my life, both at work and at home, and anytime I think about how lucky I am to be in this industry, I count all of the friends I've made twice over. Cheers to many more holidays to come, and I'll see you all in the New Year! Jess xo

gifts include:

crochet flower bouquet

wooden engraved cutting board

wine-themed gift basket

@sophiebelindasx || @andrewrussellxo || @dakotajchnson || @sebastianseb ||

@famepine

@famesaoirse || @jbkrasinski || @cate-eblanchett || @clinesmaddie ||

@margoteliise || @anne-hathway || @florcncepcgh || @mattrcbert || @ryanrodneyrs

[cate-eblanchett]

Cate's eyes sparkled with amusement and a touch of mischief as she listened to Jenna's playful banter. She let out a soft, melodic laugh, "And here I thought my days of being wild were behind me, but perhaps I've got a few more surprises up my sleeve. Especially lately that I am seeing a wild lady behind close doors" Cate said with a smirk as she brushed a lock of her now shorter, blonde hair behind her ear, then, she leaned in closer, her gaze locked with Jenna's, the dim lighting of the restaurant accentuating the intimacy of their conversation. "As for Vegas, let's just say I was a different person back there – or at least, a very well-lubricated one," she chuckled teasing as always with dirty inputs that they loved to play with. "But yes, I might have some incriminating photos that Sarah Paulson keeps as blackmail. You'll have to earn those, though. So give me your best offer and i'll show you these polaroids and not only that, i can recreate them for you"

Cate's hand turned under Jenna's, their fingers intertwining naturally, as if they had been doing this for years rather than just officially on their first date. As the waiter left them to their meal, Cate watched Jenna with a fond smile, appreciating the way she spoke about her life but especially about her son with such passion. "Rock climbing sounds like a wild adventure!" she mused, her thumb tracing small circles on Jenna's hand. "the things kids make us do! we do what we must. i hope to meet not only your ladies but your son too" she said implying that she wanted to be more present in Jenna's life if she allowed her. The atmosphere around them was charged with a quiet, comfortable energy, the kind that speaks of beginnings and possibilities and a little different from their usual encounters. "But wait... Now I can't stop imagining you, looking good in a harness," Cate added with a wink, she bit her lip mischeviously and raised her glass slightly. "To new adventures, new polaroids and arneses involved." cate laughed. They clinked glasses , the sound a gentle chime in their private bubble as cate lingered the wine, her fingers still touching Jenna's across the table willing to keep the physical contact with the other woman as the night seemed so promising with good wine, delicious food and Jenna´s presence, cate felt more relaxed "tell me, what are you planning for the holidays? are you spending christmas here with Becket? you know you will always be welcome at my farm before or after christmas... and for new years, well, I was thinking, that i could fly back to NYC, the new yers parties here are always the best, and well... I don't know, we could partying hard together without kids...you and I ringing the new year, i think it could be fun but if you have any other plan, we can always celebrate in a different day" cate said knowing that they haven't been exclusive for all these months and jenna was a busy and very popular woman but she was willing to spend more time with her and get more involved in her life if she allowed her.

Call it 'first date nerves' or whatever else you might label the situation both women found themselves in…but the wine and the soothing drawl of Cate's Aussie accent were already working their magic to tame it all, soothe it. Jenna couldn’t help but keep laughing at Cate’s comment, “Babe, I’ve got plenty of street cred in the industry now that I know such famous poultry,” she teased, leaning in just a little. Her curiosity peaked the second cate mentioned the exact version of vegas Jenna so deeply hoped for "so, what i'm gathering is you totally went girls gone wild and i'll be requesting these photo's from lady Paulson very soon ? bad girl " she teased, the image of it all shined brightly in her mind of a drunken cate letting it loose in the photo-booth, a sight Jenna had wished she'd seen, and one she'd make sure to keep in her back pocket for a later date. Her eye's were practically draping over cates, the dim of the lighting within their booth made even the smallest for gestures rather romantic and highly sensual. "consider me already seated for the next trip - or, you know i'd love to meet the rest of your gang - it'd be a pleasure. And then i'll have to officially introduce you to my ladies, who, keep asking me questions about tonight but i've left those cackling hags on read" she joked, her eyes dancing with amusement, taking another swig of her wine.

“Well, considering just a few hours ago you were playing stripper,” Jenna said with a teasing grin, her eyes lingering on Cate, “I’m even more grateful you’re here... and looking” she paused, a playful brow arching up, “really, beyond sexy., beautiful....gorgeous” she could easily go on, but much so, their waiter had arrived. Both woman studied the menus, Jenna giving recommendations to her date, and as all was gathered, the brunette's attention was right back on Cate, with a slight adjustment to her glasses "as much as i do love running a magazine and more then one business, it's safe to say...the fun was rather minimum" she teased, "Beckett's home from college for the holidays, and begged me to go rock climbing with him....and god knows i love a fashionable sport fit, i'd like to think i look real good in a harness-" she winked," but heights ? so not my thing" she laughed "but if it means spending time with my son, so be it- and i know you can happily agree with me on that one" She reached over gently, resting her hand on Cate’s, the soft flicker of the candlelight casting warm shadows around them. It was a peaceful moment, the kind that felt rare and effortless, as if the world outside had quieted, just for a little while.

[cate-eblanchett]

Don't be!! it always happens and I'm glad it's with my darling, Naomi. She is fantastic in Feud, so I'm honored to be mistaken by her but I do hope you can watch Disclaimer soon, we're so proud of it, it starts when an intriguing novel appears at the bedside of a journalist played by me, and whose career has been built on revealing transgressions, she is horrified to realise she's a key character in a long-buried story, one that exposes her darkest secret so everything starts there, it's a little dark and it's beautifully filmed, directed by my beloved Alfonso Cuaron so add this to your long list of things to watch during the holidays. Awards season, huh? It's a bit of a whirlwind for me too, but I'm hoping to make it to all the big events. It would be amazing to see you there; maybe we can share a laugh over another blonde mix-up or two. Disney sounds magical, even if it’s just for a break. Enjoy those last bits of Christmas shopping; I bet Jess' kids are having a blast. As for the holidays, I'll be heading back home to the Gold Coast. Spending time with my kids, and trying to forget for a few days about work even though it results hard for a workaholic like me. What about you? Are you staying put or heading somewhere festive?

How embarrassing, that's what happens when I get my Australian blondes mixed up, what a relief to hear that I'm not the only one (and I'm very much appreciating your grace!) although I don't necessarily think that it should be such an easy mistake. You're totally your own magnificently talented person. Anyway, a nomination is amazing regardless of what (or which Australian blonde!) it's for. I'm adding Disclaimer to my to-watch list, now, and I feel so bad that I'm actually going to get around to watching it despite having promised dozens of other people I'd watch their thing. What's it about? I'm intrigued. I'm not really sure what the go with awards season is for me this year but the hope is that I'll be there and able to see all of my beloveds, like you! Fingers crossed. I'm good, really good, at Disney as we speak (but taking a little break with Jess' kids needing to rest) and slowly getting my Christmas shopping finished. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you go home?

[cate-eblanchett]

[cate-eblanchett]

Black Bag (2025) directed by Steven Soderbergh

[cate-eblanchett]

here was a familiar feeling, something that made Cate feel at home as soon as her eyes met Jenna's. Her friend's beauty did not go unnoticed, and this new label of "date" added a special touch to the entire atmosphere. Cate smiled broadly and squeezed Jenna's arms as they hugged; she pulled back a bit to look her up and down without reservation and smiled even more before responding, "How could I blame you? I'd miss my chickens more too; they're the real joy of the home, forget the kids, or about me. Those chickens are the coolest thing on that farm." Cate laughed as she settled into her chair; her glass was immediately filled with wine, which she appreciated, while cate was adjusting her jacket, Jenna asked about Las Vegas, Cate tried not to act nervous but seemed to be failing at the attempt, almost spilling wine on the tablecloth while trying to hold her glass, luckily saving the moment with grace.

"Las Vegas was out of control, to say the least; Paulson is crazy," she affirmed. "Her party was fantastic; I drank too much tequila to please the birthday girl, danced on the table, and was photographed in just a bra in her famous photo booth. I don't remember what else I did, but it must have been embarrassing since Sarah insists no one will see those photos or videos, which worries me a bit, I don't know, maybe I pretended to be a stripper once again," Cate joked and laughed a little before taking a sip of her wine, the strong taste of the grape lingering in her mouth for a moment, savoring it while still looking at Jenna. "I wish you had come; you have to meet my friends... I don't have too many friends in the business, but apparently, Vegas is the perfect place to gather most of them," she said with a smile. "I'm fine, I'm alive and full of energy; I wasn't going to let you down, I was dying to be here with you," she confessed and paused, looking at her. "Especially because I hadn't seen you in several days, and calling this a date sounds more than interesting," she said with some ease and naturalness, but deep down, there was a fear of saying something wrong or messing up. "But enough! Tell me all about you, tell me what you've done without me? Have you had fun? I hope not too much because I haven't been by your side."

Jenna had swung by the restaurant earlier that day, not just to check in on her friend but to double-check the details for tonight’s plans. As much as she exuded confidence in the high-stakes world of fashion, tonight felt different. Despite her usual command over every situation, this evening held an unfamiliar edge—her first date with Cate. It was a bit ridiculous, really. They’d been close friends for nearly a month now, their bond growing effortlessly since that trip to Cate’s farm, but something about tonight felt new. Not new, exactly—just... deeper. Jenna, ever the perfectionist, couldn’t help but be meticulous about the little things, even if she wasn’t quite sure why this particular date made her feel so nervous.

With a few hours to go, it was time to get lost in her closet - a suit was forever the comfort attire. An oversized grey suit, with a fresh white button, of course, the top few buttons were undone, It was a calculated choice, not too polished, but still undeniably composed. She might be nervous, but she wasn't about to show it. Jenna arrived a bit earlier then their scheduled time, their quiet, intimate booth wasn't too close off from the rest of the room, but enough to get privacy - something both woman definitely favoured, especially this evening. Getting herself comfortable, Jenna took her long black coat off, resting it over the chair, already ordering a case of both wine and red wine for their table; the restaurant's signature taste, and only the best for the blonde who's figure suddenly came into view "no apologises - bosses orders" Jenna announced with a playful smirk, leaning into Cate's chosen words "besides, nyc during the holidays ? although beautiful - brutal when it comes to being on time, but you're here - and that's all i care about" she mused, moving in slightly closer in the booth as cate's cheek kisses were one's she gave in return "what if i missed your chickens more" Her voice was playful, but there was an edge to it—a softness she didn’t often allow herself, not even with Cate. "I missed you too," she added after a beat, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual. Her voice softened, betraying the casual tone she’d tried to maintain. "And for a woman who just came back from Vegas… you look—" Jenna trailed off, her eyes narrowing slightly as they lingered on Cate’s neckline. There was a momentary flash of something—surprise, admiration, maybe even a little bit of that control she was so good at wielding slipping. "Well… you certainly know how to make an impression," she added with a smirk, pouring wine into cate's class "I also absolutely - need to hear the scandalous details from last night, babe - and, how your morning was"

[cate-eblanchett]

[cate-eblanchett]

On the card:

Happy Birthday, Bozzo. I love you more than any other costar I've ever had and I guess it's because we have never slept together. :) Don't share this on your fucking instagram or I'll kill you.

Welcome to the 50s! get ready for the bones pain and the knee problems. You're gonna love it!

With Love

Cate B

x

@srahpaulsons

[cate-eblanchett]

cate blanchett as kathryn woodhouse in steven soderbergh’s black bag (2025)

[cate-eblanchett]

Cate Blanchett today for Vogue Magazine. via Genevieve Herr on Instagram.

[cate-eblanchett]

As always it was the best party of the year, it was crazy!! oh, you better keep these photos where i seem to be grabbing other ladies boobs and where i took off my blouse off the social media. i don't remember what else i did but i guess nothing can be shown for our own good and our reputation. well, babe, it was not easy but the obligations and other pleasures called me and i had to be here, it's cold as fuck and i luckily, i could sleep for at least three hours after the screening i hosted. how is it las vegas now? the celebration is still going on? who is surviving there? sandy is still there? give me details of day number two of your big 50th bday party.

It should be beyond illegal - loser behaviour for leaving, cate...what the fuck- no i'm kidding, i love that you even came ! and you're one tough cookie for even getting on a plane after last night, or doing anything else at that, cause i'm not even recovered, first of all. Secondly, photo's are starting to roll in and i promise, some will never make their way onto the socials...for our own good. It's just a miracle we've manage to both come out alive, no injuries and i'm taking that as a good oman into my next decade - and all that being said, i love love love you even more - Now tell me, how's it being in cold nyc instead of party town vegas ?

[cate-eblanchett]

I haven't had time to say CONGRATULATIONS for the golden globe nomination! i knew it! i told you, didn't i? i told you we would be meeting up at every award ceremony and most importantly, at every after party! sorry, i changed the topic abruptly but i wanted to shout out about it and celebrate with you! i know awards are not the most important thing, but it's always cool to get some recognition from these old people. so, what are we doing to celebrate this?

We're probably a lot closer to finding a time machine to get us back there then we are changing the way's of consumerism - oh honey, a story i wanna be a part of, i've began to favour the "ghost" form, and the idea of throwing someone's bed sheets rapidly on the ground to freak'em out sounds a lot more rad - dream team. I can so see you in a cone bra, tell me you had one ? cate, you're absolutely still her, and then some ! just more beautiful, and probably a little more perverted, but so am i, so i love it. I wanna use one as a "squatty potty" - you're giving me ideas if i do get lucky enough on a night, that'll be so out of it i'll sing my speech - Listen, we nail this down and we'll debut it at new years eve and then just break it out throughout award season, we'll end up getting an award for best duo or they'll kick us out, regardless it'll be one heck of a story to tell. All this planning aside, i also need to be nosy and ask what exciting things have been happening for you these last few weeks, let me live through your glamour