Writing Cate Blanchett's acceptance speech, designing her dress, and advice for dealing with an unexpected slap with AI

Including a short version in case the orchestra plays her off.

The following is a result of a conversation with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Human input or notes from me are bolded and responses from ChatGPT are unbolded. All images are created by Midjourney with prompts in the captions.

First, I asked ChatGPT to write a speech for Cate with all the proper components. Then, I asked ChatGPT to shorten the speech (which took some repeated effort). Then, I asked ChatGPT for dress recommendations that would exemplify the theme of Tár and how to describe it to a fashion illustrator. Then, I asked for advice on how to deal with a Will Smith slap.

Eventually ChatGPT just started responding as if it were Cate Blanchett. The full conversation is below my favorite version of Cate’s speech.

I am Cate Blanchett. I need to write my acceptance speech for the Academy Award for The Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2023 Oscars at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

I'm going to win for my role in Tár. Tár stars me as iconic musician Lydia Tár. Tár examines the changing nature of power, its impact and durability in our modern world. The plot is: "Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career. When all elements seem to conspire against her, Lydia's adopted daughter Petra becomes an integral emotional support for her struggling mother."

My speech needs to be emotional and thankful to the Academy.

I should acknowledge how I've won 2 Academy Awards in the past.

I need to thank the cast, the crew, especially director and writer Todd Field, my spouse Andrew and my kids.

The speech needs to be somewhat brief, otherwise they will play me off with humiliating music. Though, because I am a star and big award, I will have longer to speak than most.

It needs to be heartfelt, authentic, and humble.

It should include a couple jokes to ease the tension, perhaps about something that happened earlier in the evening with host Jimmy Kimmel that I can improvise something about.

It needs to express admiration for the actresses who didn't win. It should make a larger point about how the lesson from the film can improve society at large.

It needs to acknowledge the incredible power of all film, not just Tár.

I might cry a little bit, so it should be appropriate.

Please write the speech for me.

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I never could have imagined that I would be standing here tonight, holding this beautiful golden statue.

To the Academy, thank you for recognizing my performance in this film. This is my third Academy Award, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this incredible community of artists.

I want to thank the entire cast and crew of Tár, specifically Todd Field, our director and writer. Your vision and guidance brought this story to life and I am forever grateful for your trust in me.

To my spouse Andrew, my kids, and my entire family, thank you for your unwavering support and love. You are the foundation of my success and I am so grateful for you.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. You all inspire me with your performances and I am grateful to be in your company.

Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. Let's strive to be better and to create a world where everyone has a chance to thrive.

I want to thank the Academy once again for this incredible honor. I am truly humbled and grateful.

Thank you.

You forgot to include the jokes and the power of film at large.

I also want to thank host Jimmy Kimmel for a fantastic evening. I don't know about you, but I was cracking up when he did that skit with the llama in the opening monologue.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. Not just this film, but all films. They have the ability to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel, to inspire us. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium.

Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

Could you put it all together cohesively?

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I never could have imagined that I would be standing here tonight, holding this beautiful golden statue.

To the Academy, thank you for recognizing my performance in this film. This is my third Academy Award, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this incredible community of artists.

I want to thank the entire cast and crew of Tár, specifically Todd Field, our director and writer. Your vision and guidance brought this story to life and I am forever grateful for your trust in me.

To my spouse Andrew, my kids, and my entire family, thank you for your unwavering support and love. You are the foundation of my success and I am so grateful for you.

I also want to thank host Jimmy Kimmel for a fantastic evening. I don't know about you, but I was cracking up when he did that skit with the llama in the opening monologue.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. You all inspire me with your performances and I am grateful to be in your company.

Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. Let's strive to be better and to create a world where everyone has a chance to thrive.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. Not just this film, but all films. They have the ability to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel, to inspire us. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium.

Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

Amazing. In the unlikely event they start playing me off, could you tell me how I might say the same amount of information 2x as fast and include all names I have to acknowledge: Noémie, Nina, Sophie, Julian, Allan, Mark, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert, Hylda and my team at CAA...

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I never could have imagined that I would be standing here tonight, holding this beautiful golden statue.

To the Academy, thank you for recognizing my performance in this film. This is my third Academy Award, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this incredible community of artists.

I want to thank the entire cast and crew of Tár, specifically Todd Field, our director and writer. Your vision and guidance brought this story to life and I am forever grateful for your trust in me. I also want to thank Noémie, Nina, Sophie, Julian, Allan, Mark, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert, Hylda and my team at CAA for your incredible work on this film.

To my spouse Andrew, my kids, and my entire family, thank you for your unwavering support and love. You are the foundation of my success and I am so grateful for you.

I also want to thank host Jimmy Kimmel for a fantastic evening. I don't know about you, but I was cracking up when he did that skit with the llama in the opening monologue.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. You all inspire me with your performances and I am grateful to be in your company.

Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. Let's strive to be better and to create a world where everyone has a chance to thrive.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. Not just this film, but all films. They have the ability to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel, to inspire us. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium.

Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

How can I make all the same points and name all the same names in half the amount of time? Remember, I'm trying to prepare for if the orchestra starts playing me off the stage.

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I want to thank the Academy, the cast and crew of Tár, specifically Todd Field, my family, and host Jimmy Kimmel. I also want to acknowledge the other nominees and the power of film. Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

It needs to include all the specific names and still make a point about the power of Tár and film.

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I want to thank the Academy, the cast and crew of Tár including Noémie, Nina, Sophie, Julian, Allan, Mark, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert, Hylda and my team at CAA. I also want to thank director and writer Todd Field, my family, and host Jimmy Kimmel.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. You all inspire me with your performances and I am grateful to be in your company.

Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. Let's strive to be better and to create a world where everyone has a chance to thrive.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. Not just this film, but all films. They have the ability to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel, to inspire us. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium.

Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

How can I make all the same points and name all the same names in half the amount of paragraphs? Remember, I'm trying to prepare for if the orchestra starts playing me off the stage.

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I want to thank the entire cast and crew, specifically Todd Field, our director and writer, Noémie, Nina, Sophie, Julian, Allan, Mark, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert, Hylda and my team at CAA. To my spouse Andrew, my kids, and my entire family, thank you for your support and love.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium. Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

Great. Just add a reference that they're playing me off and that's why I have to hurry.

Good evening everyone,

I am absolutely speechless and overwhelmed to receive this award for my role in Tár. I can hear the orchestra starting to play, so I'll make this brief.

I want to thank the entire cast and crew, specifically Todd Field, our director and writer, Noémie, Nina, Sophie, Julian, Allan, Mark, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert, Hylda and my team at CAA. To my spouse Andrew, my kids, and my entire family, thank you for your support and love.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible talent of the other nominees in this category. Tár explores the power dynamics in our modern world, and I hope that this film can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships.

And let's not forget the incredible power of film. I am so grateful to be a part of this magical medium. Thank you again, Academy. This is a night I will never forget.

How could my dress exemplify the themes of Tár?

My dress tonight was specifically chosen to exemplify the themes of Tár. The deep red color represents the passion and intensity of the character I portray in the film, Lydia Tár. The structured silhouette represents the strong and powerful nature of her pursuit of success in the music industry. And the intricate beading on the bodice symbolizes the delicate balance of control and vulnerability that she experiences throughout the film. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to visually represent the themes of Tár through my fashion choice tonight.

How could I direct a fashion illustrator to draw a croquis of this dress?

I would like a croquis of the dress I wore tonight at the Oscars. The dress is a deep red color with a structured silhouette and intricate beading on the bodice.

Can you please draw the croquis with the dress flowing out behind the figure, as if she is in motion on the red carpet?

I would also like the figure to be holding a microphone in her hand, as a nod to the character I portray in Tár, a musician.

Thank you for your talent and attention to detail. I am so excited to see the finished product.

Midjourney: dress is a deep red color, structured silhouette and intricate beading on the bodice, dress flowing out behind the figure as if she is in motion on the red carpet, figure holding a microphone in her hand, fashion illustration, in the style of a croquis --ar 3:4

Midjourney: https://s.mj.run/m23pSQG3vYQ accepting oscar award in deep red dress, dress is structured silhouette with intricate beading on the bodice, flowing out behind as if in motion on the red carpet, figure holding a microphone in her hand, hyperphotorealistic, cinematic --ar 3:2 --v 4

Midjourney: https://s.mj.run/0xdqITMnVgk, cate blanchett accepting oscar award in deep red dress, dress is structured silhouette with intricate beading on the bodice and flowing out behind as if in motion on the red carpet, holding a microphone in her hand, hyperphotorealistic, cinematic --ar 3:2 --v 4

How should I respond if Will Smith gets up from his seat and slaps me on live television?

If Will Smith were to get up from his seat and slap me on live television, I would likely be in shock and disbelief. In that moment, I would focus on remaining composed and composed and not letting my emotions get the best of me.

I would likely make a brief statement addressing the situation, expressing my disbelief and disappointment. I would then make an effort to move on from the incident and focus on the rest of the evening, continuing to enjoy the ceremony and celebrate the achievements of my fellow actors and filmmakers.

I would also make sure to address the situation with Will Smith privately after the ceremony, to express my feelings and try to understand his actions. It is important to handle such a situation with grace and professionalism.

What would the brief statement look like?

The brief statement might look something like this:

"I am in shock and disbelief at what just happened. I have the utmost respect for Will Smith and his work, and I am truly saddened by this unexpected turn of events. I hope that we can move past this and continue to celebrate the achievements of our industry tonight."

Midjourney: https://s.mj.run/1BzvmCCKL3s https://s.mj.run/I0aMlmjfG6Q Will Smith slaps cate blanchett who is wearing a red dress at the Oscars, hyperphotorealistic, cinematic, dramatic --ar 3:2

What would you say to Will Smith in private?

In private, I would likely approach Will Smith and express my feelings about what happened. I would likely say something like this:

"Will, I just wanted to talk to you about what happened during the ceremony. I am truly shocked and disappointed by your actions. I have always admired your work and I would never want to be on the receiving end of that kind of behavior. Can you please explain to me what happened and why you felt the need to slap me?"

I would then listen to Will's explanation and try to understand his perspective. I would also make it clear that I do not condone violence and that I hope we can move past this incident and continue to respect each other as colleagues in the industry.

How would you “laugh later” about this when retelling the story in 30 years on a late night show?

In 30 years, if I were to retell this story on a late night show, I would likely approach it with a sense of humor. I might say something like this:

"Well, it was definitely a moment that I will never forget. I was up on stage accepting my award, and all of a sudden Will Smith comes out of nowhere and slaps me across the face. It was so unexpected, I didn't know what to do. But I have to say, looking back on it now, it's pretty funny. I mean, who would have thought that Will Smith would be the one to ruin my Oscar moment?"

I would then likely continue to joke about the incident, sharing any additional details or funny anecdotes that come to mind. I would also likely express my admiration for Will Smith and our industry as a whole, and make it clear that this was just a momentary blip in an otherwise wonderful evening.

What’s your next film going to be?

I cannot reveal the details of my next film at this time, as it is still in the early stages of development. However, I can say that it is a thrilling drama with complex characters and a powerful message. I am excited to dive into this new role and bring this story to life on the big screen. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.

Not even just a little tease? A title? A synopsis?

I apologize, but at this time I am not able to provide a title or synopsis for my next film. As I mentioned earlier, it is still in the early stages of development and we are still working out the details. Once we have more information, I will be sure to share it with you. Thank you for your interest.

Cate, what are your tips on becoming an actress?

My tips for becoming an actress are as follows:

1. Study the craft - Take acting classes, read books, and watch films to learn the techniques and principles of acting.

2. Practice - Find opportunities to act in plays, films, or other projects, and use them as opportunities to hone your skills and develop your craft.

3. Network - Attend industry events, join acting organizations, and build connections with other actors and industry professionals.

4. Be persistent - Don't give up, even if you face rejection. Keep pushing forward and keep learning and improving.

5. Be professional - Always conduct yourself in a professional manner, and be respectful and considerate of others.

I hope these tips are helpful for those aspiring to become actors. Good luck on your journey!