Academy Award Winner Honoured at Prestigious Guildhall Ceremony
Acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett has been formally admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony held at Guildhall on Friday 28 November 2025. The honour recognises her dual legacy: an outstanding contribution to drama and her fervent campaigning on humanitarian and global environmental issues.
A Gift Treasured: Blanchett's Tribute to London's Sanctuary
Speaking after the ceremony, the 55-year-old Australian star expressed her profound gratitude. She described the honour as a gift she treasures from a city and country renowned for offering welcome and opportunity. Blanchett powerfully framed London as a historic melting pot that has provided sanctuary for centuries, from the Huguenots to those fleeing conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
She dedicated the acceptance of her freedom 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. Reflecting her commitment, the ceremony was attended by several guests with refugee backgrounds.
A Career of Distinction On and Off Screen
Blanchett's nomination was put forward by the former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir William Russell, and the chairwoman of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Emily Benn. Her illustrious film career includes two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator in 2005 and Best Actress for Blue Jasmine in 2014.
Her rise to fame began with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Elizabeth, and she is widely recognised for her role as Galadriel in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Other notable films in her repertoire include Ocean’s 8, Carol, and Tár.
Beyond acting, her accolades are extensive:
- Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.
- Co-director of the Sydney Theatre Company from 2008 to 2013 with her husband Andrew Upton.
- Companion of the Order of Australia and recipient of the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award.
- Council member for the Earthshot Prize, the environmental initiative founded by the Prince of Wales.
Voices of Praise from City Leaders
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, praised Blanchett's performances of remarkable depth and authenticity and her commendable passion and conviction on humanitarian issues and climate action.
Sir William Russell highlighted her enduring impact, noting her commanding presence from nearly 30 years ago and her recent stage success in The Seagull at the Barbican. He emphasised that the freedom recognises her aims and achievements as a committed campaigner as much as her acting talents.
Emily Benn added that Blanchett has served as an inspirational role model for a generation of acting students and commended her for consistently standing up for her beliefs.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition believed to date back to 1237, is a distinguished way to pay tribute to an individual's significant contribution to public life. Blanchett joins a list of esteemed past recipients including Sir Lenny Henry, Harry Kane, and Sir Matthew Bourne.
