Cate Blanchett confesses to have had many 'relationships' with women

Actress Cate Blanchett says she has had intimate relationships with women "many times".

The 45-year-old actress is starring in the screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel "The Price of Salt" named "Carol", which takes place in the 1950s and tells the story of a woman named Carol (played by Blanchett) who enters into a secret romance with a female department store clerk (played by Rooney Mara).

Asked if this was her first intimate experience with a woman, Blanchett replied: "On film -- or in real life?"

Pressed to elaborate, the "Cinderella" star confirmed that she has had off-screen relationships with women "many times", but declined to comment further.

Blanchett, who has adopted a daughter with her husband of 18 years, says that she also "read a lot of girl-on-girl books from the period" to prepare for the role.

"Carol" will compete for the Palme d'Or at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival.