Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 2014
Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine 2014
SEX WORKER ROLE
Lena Brandt in The Good German 2006
Character Is A Prostitute
Cate Blanchett in The Good German 2006
“The Good German” is a 2006 film adaptation of Joseph Kanon’s eponymous 2001 novel. In this film, Cate plays Lena Brandt, a sultry German hooker. She is also the former girlfriend of the George Clooney character. The entire world is in a period of uncertainty following World War 2. Lena has been compelled to engage in prostitution as a means of survival and to provide food for her family.
This film received unfavorable reviews, causing a stir among viewers and film critics. Steven Soderbergh, the film’s director, found it perplexing. He has since said that no one has ever brought up this film in a positive manner. Perhaps reviewers felt it was an obvious homage to the film “Casablanca,” and movie critics had a preconceived notion before even viewing the film?
Honorable mention. In 2009 Cate also appeared on stage in A Streetcar Named Desire. She played the iconic role of Blanche DuBois.
Watch clip of the film “The Good German”
To read more about other Oscar-winning actresses playing characters working in the sex trade industry, please continue perusing Oscar Hookers