Hey there, movie lovers! Today is a special day for one of Hollywood's most celebrated talents—Cate Blanchett! The multi-award-winning Australian actress turns 50 on May 14. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this incredible artist and reflect on some of her most unforgettable performances.

Cate Blanchett was born Catherine Elise Blanchett in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe in 1969. She's the middle child of three siblings, with her mom, June Blanchett (née Gamble), hailing from Australia and her dad, Robert DeWitt Blanchett Jr., originally from Texas. Growing up, Cate had a unique blend of both Australian and American influences, which might just explain her incredible versatility as an actress.

After studying at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art, Cate made her mark on the stage before transitioning to the big screen. Her career skyrocketed with roles in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley in 1999, Notes on a Scandal in 2006, and Blue Jasmine in 2013. Of course, her performances in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies brought her international fame. Over the years, Cate has been honored with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and three BAFTAs, proving her status as a true icon of cinema.

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While she’s delivered countless memorable performances, including her role as Galadriel in the Tolkien adaptations, there are a few roles that truly stand out. Here's a closer look at five of our favorite Cate Blanchett performances:

Bob Dylan (I’m Not There)

In 2007, Cate took on one of the most ambitious roles of her career in I’m Not There, a biographical film about the life and music of Bob Dylan. Directed by Todd Haynes, the movie features six different actors portraying various aspects of Dylan’s life. Cate plays Jude Quinn, a fictionalized version of Dylan during the mid-1960s, and she nails it. Her portrayal is so compelling that it earned her nominations at the Oscars and BAFTAs, as well as a well-deserved Golden Globe win. It’s a testament to her incredible range as an actress.

Stream it on Amazon or iTunes.

Carol Aird (Carol)

For many fans, Carol is the role that truly showcases Cate’s emotional depth. Directed by Todd Haynes (yes, again!), this 2015 film is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of a forbidden romance between an aspiring photographer played by Rooney Mara and an older woman, Carol Aird, played by Cate. The chemistry between the two actresses is electric, and the film was widely praised, earning Cate nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. It’s a timeless and deeply moving story that resonates with audiences to this day.

Watch it on Netflix.

Hela (Thor: Ragnarok)

Cate made a splash in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her portrayal of Hela, the Goddess of Death, in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Directed by Taika Waititi, this superhero adventure sees Thor (Chris Hemsworth) trying to save his home planet, Asgard, from the clutches of his long-lost sister, Hela. Cate brings a menacing yet charismatic presence to the role, making her one of the MCU’s most memorable villains. It’s clear that she had a blast playing this larger-than-life character, and her performance adds a lot of depth to the film.

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Stream it on Netflix.

Katharine Hepburn (The Aviator)

In The Aviator (2004), directed by Martin Scorsese, Cate delivers a stunning performance as Katharine Hepburn, the legendary actress and romantic partner of Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, based on the book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life by Charles Higham, explores Hughes’ life as an aviation pioneer and filmmaker. Cate’s portrayal of Hepburn is both charming and nuanced, earning her an Oscar and BAFTA win, as well as a Golden Globe nomination. It’s a testament to her ability to bring historical figures to life on the big screen.

Watch it on Netflix.

Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age)

Cate has played Queen Elizabeth not once, but twice, in Elizabeth (1998) and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), both directed by Shekhar Kapur. In the first film, she portrays the early years of Elizabeth’s reign, while the sequel delves into the latter part of her rule. Her performance in the first film earned her an Oscar nomination, as well as wins at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes. For the sequel, she was again nominated for an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe. It’s clear that Cate has a knack for bringing historical figures to life with both grace and authority.

Stream Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age on Starz.

Happy 50th birthday, Cate! Here’s to many more incredible performances from this legendary actress.