Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 2005
Cate Blanchett The Aviator 2005
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 turned to prostitution as a survival strategy and to feed her family.
This film caused a stir among viewers and film critics, as it received unfavorable reviews. Steven Soderbergh, the film’s director, found all of these reviews perplexing. He has since said that no one has ever brought up this film to his face 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