Exclusive: Tempus’s new edition stars Oscar winner Cate Blanchett

As we head into the new year, it seems like the perfect time to take stock and reflect on the major themes that have dominated 2024 – and, indeed, the first half of the decade. This year, as we curate the latest issue of Tempus, there’s one theme that seems, to me, to jump from the page no matter the subject: connection. 

Our need and desire to connect with one another spans borders, subjects and politics, whether we are seeking out for authenticity and cultural experiences in our travels or creating meaningful moment in daily life. Connection seems to infuse artist Philip Toledano’s latest exhibitions as he uses artificial intelligence – the emerging technological gift and menace that is another defining trait of this era – to bring the human cost of war to life. It is also present in travel trends; both the rise of boutique hotels and at Monaco Yacht Show, where Heesen presented the shipyard’s first four-deck yacht designed for large families to come together in comfort and style upon the waves.

We also see the human touch encompassing the remarkable career of our cover star, two-time Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett. Since she made her film debut in 1997 in Paradise Road, Cate has dominated her profession as one of the greatest performers of her generation. But the actor, who still grounds herself in the live audiences of theatre, says it’s the unique vision of each of the directors, writers, cast and crew that she works with that allows her to continuously challenge herself. 

As Cate Blanchett now joins the board of London’s National Theatre alongside playwright James Graham to support what she calls the “dynamic duo” of artistic director Indhu Rubasingham and executive director Kate Varah, there is no doubt that connection – with audiences, cast and the plays themselves – will be at the heart of the theatre’s 2025 programmes. 

Elsewhere in this issue, we explore the ancient art of Ayurveda in the world’s most extraordinary retreats, seek out the celebrity fitness trends and most luxurious London gyms where we can put them to the test, visit Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to see how this most audacious classic car meet compares to our side of the pond, and chat to Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone to find out what it was like bringing Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna to life in a new Netflix series.

Enjoy the issue.

Michelle Johnson
Editor-in-chief