Claim: Cate Blanchett played a queen.

Elizabeth is a 1998 British biographical film written by Michael Hirst , directed by Shekhar Kapur , and starring Cate Blanchett in the title role of Queen Elizabeth I of England , alongside Geoffrey Rush , Christopher Eccleston , Joseph Fiennes , John Gielgud , Fanny Ardant and Richard Attenborough . The film is loosely based on the early years of Elizabeth 's reign . Blanchett and Rush reprised their roles in the sequel , Elizabeth : The Golden Age -LRB- 2007 -RRB- , covering the later part of her reign .   The film brought Australian actress Blanchett to international attention . She won several awards for her portrayal of Elizabeth , notably a BAFTA and a Golden Globe in 1998 . The film was named the 1998 BAFTA Award for Best British Film and was nominated for seven awards at the 71st Academy Awards , including Best Picture and Best Actress , winning Best Makeup .   The film sees a young Elizabeth elevated to the throne on the death of her half-sister Mary I , who had imprisoned her . Elizabeth 's reign over the divided and bankrupt realm is perceived as weak and under threat of invasion by France or Spain . For the future stability and security of the crown she is urged by advisor William Cecil to marry ; she has suitors in the Catholic Philip II of Spain and the French Henri , Duc d'Anjou . However , she instead embarks on an affair with the wholly unsuitable Robert Dudley .   Elizabeth must counter threats from within , such as the powerful Thomas Howard , 4th Duke of Norfolk , and from the armies of Mary of Guise garrisoned in Scotland . She also faces plots from Rome directed by Pope Pius V. Assisted by her `` spymaster '' Francis Walsingham , she puts down the threats both internal and external , ruthlessly executing the plotters . Elizabeth eventually ends her and Robert 's affair and resolves to marry nobody except England . The film ends with Elizabeth assuming the persona of the `` Virgin Queen '' , and saying : `` I am married to England , '' initiating England 's Golden Age .