Blanchett wins Aussie theatre gong

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is celebrating after being honoured for her latest theatre role in her native Australia.

The Aviator actress, 36, picked up a Helpmann Award for her performance in the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Hedda Gabler at the star-studded ceremony in Sydney on Monday night.

A delighted Blanchett said: "This is the nicest award ceremony I have ever been to."

Blanchett spent years on the Australian stage before she was catapulted to international fame in 1998's Elizabeth.

She added: "I don't know that I even left. I feel that I've been marinated in Australian theatre."