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​Cate Blanchett reveals she's had "many" relationships with women

Cate Blanchett reveals in a new interview that she's had past relationships with women.

The topic came up while Blanchett was promoting her new film, "Carol," during an interview with Variety. In the movie, which premieres at the Cannes Film Festival this month, she plays a woman who falls in love with a young department store employee, portrayed by Rooney Mara. Set in 1950s New York, "Carol" is directed by Todd Haynes ("Mildred Pierce," "I'm Not There") and also stars Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson.

During the interview, Blanchett was asked if this was her first turn as a lesbian. The 45-year-old actress smiled and said, "On film -- or in real life?"

When asked for more details about whether she's had past relationships with women, Blanchett said, "Yes. Many times."

Blanchett didn't divulge much beyond that, but she did say she read girl-on-girl erotic novels from the '50s era prior to filming.

Blanchett has been married to playwright and screenwriter Andrew Upton since 1997. They are parents to three sons -- Dashiell John, 13, Roman Robert, 10, and Ignatius Martin, 7 -- and also recently adopted a baby girl.

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