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.