Actors Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar are set to be honored with the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of their contributions to the arts.
The 56-year-old Australian actress, who has earned Academy Awards for her performances in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, has been a longstanding proponent of climate action and various humanitarian causes.
Adrian Dunbar, a 66-year-old from Northern Ireland, is widely recognized for his portrayal of Supt Ted Hastings in the critically acclaimed television series Line of Duty, and he has also made his mark as a playwright and director.
Both performers have graced the stage at the Barbican in the past year, and Dunbar is an alumnus of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Bestowed as part of an age-old custom, the freedoms have been granted since 1237.
This honor acknowledges individuals for their significant contributions to London or public life, as well as for notable achievements, according to the City of London Corporation (CLC).
Blanchett’s and Dunbar’s names were among over 50 nominees to receive this honor, a decision ratified by the Court of Common Council.
Alderman Russell, who heads the CLC’s Freedom application committee, remarked that the Freedom is “an acknowledgment of their remarkable contributions to London or public life, or a means to celebrate a noteworthy achievement.”
Representatives for both Blanchett and Dunbar have been contacted for their responses.