Speed Reads

The Oscars

Cate Blanchett wins Best Actress Oscar

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Blue Jasmine star Cate Blanchett just won the Best Actress Oscar for her starring role in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine. "As random and subjective as this award is, it means a great deal in a year of exceptional performances by women," Blanchett said, before praising her fellow nominees Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Judi Dench.

Blanchett went on to thank director Woody Allen — who remains embroiled in a controversy over molestation allegations — to the uneasy applause of the audience.