She is currently gracing the silver screen as the golden-haired elf Galadriel in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Yet, the cinema was not the only place where the Maltese could catch a glimpse of Cate Blanchett. The Oscar winner and her family spent Christmas enjoying the rugged, unspoilt landscape and tranquil atmosphere of Gozo.

Together with husband Andrew Upton and their three children – Dashiell John, Roman Robert, and Ignatius Martin – the Australian actress spent the past five days exploring the sunshine-bathed hills and touring the winding streets of Victoria.

But there were no fans jostling for autographs.

“We didn’t even recognise her when she walked in for lunch,” Café Jubilee director Alex Scicluna told The Times.

“Some of our clients seated outside pointed out who she was. But we didn’t bother her with autographs. She came to enjoy a quiet, peaceful holiday with her family and we wanted to ensure that she did just that.”

According to photographer René Rossignaud, a couple of Ms Blanchett’s girlfriends had purchased some property in Kerċem, which was where the actress and her family tucked into their Christmas lunch.

They stayed at Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel and Spa and enjoyed frequent strolls down Kantra rocky beach, the hotel’s stunning, private seaside area located in a secluded inlet.

Ms Blanchett and her family are due to leave the island today.