Acclaimed Australian actress Cate Blanchett has been formally honoured with the Freedom of the City of London in a prestigious ceremony that celebrated both her extraordinary acting career and her dedicated humanitarian work.
A Ceremony of Significance
The 55-year-old Hollywood star received the honour during a ceremony at Guildhall on Friday, where she was accompanied by several guests with refugee backgrounds, highlighting her commitment to displacement issues. Blanchett serves as a global goodwill ambassador for UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, a role that has become increasingly central to her public life beyond acting.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Blanchett framed the award as recognition of London's historical role as a sanctuary city. "I treasure this gift from a city and country with a history of offering welcome and opportunity," she stated. "London is a melting pot, where people from around the world find a home."
Honouring London's Legacy of Sanctuary
The double Oscar-winner specifically highlighted London's centuries-long tradition of providing refuge, noting historical examples from the Huguenots to those fleeing conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. She dedicated the honour to refugees, stating: "For many refugees, London represents a new beginning – safety, hope and belonging after hardship and displacement. I accept the freedom in their honour."
Blanchett's nomination came from two distinguished figures: Sir William Russell, former lord mayor of the City of London, and Emily Benn, chairwoman of the board of governors at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
An Illustrious Career Beyond Acting
While best known for her award-winning performances in films like The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, Blanchett's influence extends far beyond cinema. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth launched her international career, followed by memorable roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy as Galadriel and numerous other critically acclaimed productions.
Her theatrical credentials are equally impressive, having served as co-director of the Sydney Theatre Company alongside her husband Andrew Upton from 2008 to 2013. More recently, she returned to the London stage in a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull.
The ceremony's speakers emphasised how Blanchett's humanitarian and environmental advocacy formed a crucial part of why she received this honour. Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, noted: "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."
Sir William Russell added that while her acting career has "mesmerised and thrilled audiences" for nearly three decades, the freedom recognition equally acknowledges "her aims and achievements as a committed campaigner on humanitarian and environmental issues."
The Freedom of the City of London dates back to 1237 and represents one of the oldest traditional honours still offered by the City. Previous recipients include comedian Sir Lenny Henry, England football captain Harry Kane and choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, placing Blanchett among distinguished company of individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to British public life.
