One of the most versatile screen and stage actors of her generation has received the Freedom of the , in recognition of her outstanding contribution to drama, and campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues.
Cate Blanchett, who attended her ceremony at Guildhall today with her guests, including a number of people with refugee backgrounds, was nominated by former Lord Mayor of the , Sir William Russell, and Chair of the Board of Governors of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Emily Benn.
During a stellar career, alongside countless awards including four BAFTAs and two Academy Awards, Blanchett has been recognised with honours such as the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France, a Companion of the Order of Australia, and the Centenary Medal for her service to Australian society.
She has also received the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award for her leadership in raising awareness of the refugee crisis and holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, and Macquarie University.
As a humanitarian and climate action campaigner, Blanchett is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR; a member of the Earthshot Prize Council; a lifetime member of the Australian Conservation Foundation; and the inaugural Ambassador for Wakehurst and the Millennium Seed Bank. She is also a National Theatre board member.
Her extensive film credits include Elizabeth, Notes on a Scandal, Tár, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ocean’s 8, The Aviator and Blue Jasmine and on stage, Blanchett has appeared in over 20 productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire, Uncle Vanya, Gross und Klein, The Maids, and The Present. Earlier this year, she received widespread praise for her performance as Arkadina in the Barbican Theatre’s production of The Seagull.
Speaking after her Freedom ceremony, Cate Blanchett, Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, 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. It has long provided sanctuary to those fleeing persecution, from the Huguenots centuries ago to people fleeing Eastern Europe in the early part of 20th century and more recently, to those escaping conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and beyond.
“For many refugees, London represents a new beginning – safety, hope and belonging after hardship and displacement. I accept the Freedom in their honour.”
Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“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.
“As the Policy Chairman of one of the UK’s major funders of arts, cultural, and heritage activities, I am very pleased to offer my sincere congratulations to Cate on being admitted into the Freedom today.”
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 in leading roles in major films and stage productions, most recently, The Seagull at our beloved Barbican in the .
“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.”
Emily Benn said:
“Cate Blanchett deserves her status as one of the world-leading actors of her generation, demonstrating a complete mastery of craft over the course of her career and alongside her acting work, she has consistently stood up for her beliefs, lending her voice to social campaigns.
“Cate has served as an inspirational role model for a generation of acting students, including at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and it has been a privilege and pleasure to welcome her to the Guildhall.”
The Corporation is one of the largest funders of arts, cultural, and heritage activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. It manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Library, Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the new London Museum, which will open next year.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
One of the ’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
Recent high-profile recipients include choreographer and director, Sir Matthew Bourne; former Olympic and Commonwealth Games athlete and sport ambassador, Lady Mary Peters; comedian, actor, and author, Sir Lenny Henry; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
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