Cate Blanchett turns 56: a look back (30 images)

By Wade Sheridan

Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, best known for her roles in "Tar," "Carol," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Blue Jasmine," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "The Aviator," "The Lord of the Rings" and more, turns 56 on Wednesday. Here's a look back at her career through the years.

Cate Blanchett poses at the 2002 National Board of Review Award ceremony in New York City on January 7, 2002. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

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Blanchett arrives at the European premiere of the film "The Aviator" in London on December 19, 2004. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

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Blanchett holds her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Aviator" at the 77th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 27, 2005. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI

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Blanchett (L) poses with Judi Dench as they arrive for the Premiere Women in Hollywood dinner in Beverly Hills, Calif., on September 20, 2006. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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