Cate Blanchette won the only Oscar for this film, rightfully for best actress by channeling the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth Tudor. The film depicts the rise of Queen Elizabeth I and her struggle while trying to lead an empire after years of death and religious schism. Corrupt advisors and assassination rumors force the Queen to learn her role quickly. Cate's assertive nature and chilling transformation from a frail girl to a unquestioning Queen was the most memorable performance of her career. Even though this film lost best picture to "Shakespeare in Love" (over-rated, thank you Academy!), the costumes, sets, and ridiculously great acting by Geoffrey Rush and Joseph Fiennes (haha two movies he was in that were nominated for best picture that year) can not be ignored. Other films that spiraled Blanchett's career of excellence include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Life Aquatic," and of course "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.