Cate Blanchett says she's 'incredibly blessed' to receive top British film honour

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This was published 8 years ago

Cate Blanchett says she's 'incredibly blessed' to receive top British film honour

Updated

Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett says she is deeply honoured to receive this year's British Film Institute fellowship for outstanding contribution to film.

The 46-year-old Australian was in London on Saturday evening to receive the accolade which has gone to a long line of prominent actors.

Cate Blanchett at the BFI London Film Festival Awards on October 17.

Cate Blanchett at the BFI London Film Festival Awards on October 17.Credit: Getty Images

"To be honoured by the British Film Institute is such an incredible honour, particularly given the list of people who've been honoured before me," she told reporters.

"So many people who've been a great influence on me creatively – and also I've long adored cinema from this region, so I feel incredibly blessed to be here tonight."

Sir Ian McKellen presented the award to Cate Blanchett.

Sir Ian McKellen presented the award to Cate Blanchett.Credit: Getty Images

Previous fellowship recipients have included Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, Al Pacino, Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee and Ralph Fiennes.

Wearing a floor-length white sequined gown, she stopped on the red carpet to sign autographs before entering the elegant 17th Century Banqueting House to receive the award.

Blanchett was presented with her BFI fellowship by her Lord of the Rings co-star and veteran British actor Sir Ian McKellen.

He introduced her by saying, "The strong woman, the great actress, Cate Blanchett".

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Before the award was presented, clips from many of her films were shown along with tributes from directors and others in the film industry.

The BFI fellowship is awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to film or television.

Blanchett has won Academy Awards for her work in Martin Scorsese's film The Aviator and Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Two of Blanchett's new films – Carol and Truth – have had gala screenings at the institute's London Film Festival this month.

- AAP

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