Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to drama” and for campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues.
The Australian-born star, 55, who is a global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, attended the ceremony at Guildhall on Friday, with a number of people with refugee backgrounds among her guests.
Speaking after the ceremony, Blanchett said: “I treasure this gift from a city and country with a history of offering welcome and opportunity.
“London is a melting pot, where people from around the world find a home.”
She added that London had “long provided sanctuary to those fleeing persecution”.
“For many refugees, London represents a new beginning – safety, hope and belonging after hardship and displacement. I accept the freedom in their honour.”
Blanchett has won two Oscars for her roles in The Aviator (2005) and Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine (2014).
She initially rose to fame with her role as Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth and has since starred in the Lord Of The Rings, Ocean’s 8, Carol, Notes on a Scandal and Tar.
She has also performed on stage and returned to London theatre to star in a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull.
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, offered Blanchett his “sincere congratulations” on receiving the Freedom.
“Cate Blanchett delivers performances of remarkable depth and authenticity, and, away from acting, she speaks with commendable passion and conviction on humanitarian issues and climate action,” he said.
Former mayor of the City of London Sir William Russell said: “Portraying Elizabeth I nearly 30 years ago, Cate’s commanding presence on screen caught and held our attention, and she has been mesmerising and thrilling audiences ever since…
“Her Freedom today, however, is as much about recognising her aims and achievements as a committed campaigner on humanitarian and environmental issues, as it is for her remarkable talents as an actor, director, and producer.”
The Freedom of the City of London is a way of paying tribute to an individual’s outstanding contribution to public life and is believed to have begun in 1237.
Past recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry, England football captain Harry Kane and choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne.
