Cate Blanchett
Cate BlanchettCamerimage

Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett will be bestowed with the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival. The actress and producer will also participate in an In Conversation With… event looking back on her career.

The TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award winner is given to a leading woman in the motion picture industry who has championed the careers of others and paved the way for the next generation.

Blanchett will receive the honor at TIFF Tribute Awards on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, with proceeds going towards TIFF’s Every Story Fund. The fund champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film.

“Cate Blanchett is a marvel,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “One of the finest actors in film history, she has consistently shown range, depth and audacity on screen. Off screen, she has been a tireless champion of increased equity and justice in many sectors. Cate’s passion for the transformative power of storytelling, and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women, align with the goals of our Share Her Journey initiative. We’re honoured to present Cate Blanchett with this year’s Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, and can’t wait to welcome her back to Toronto.”

The TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award is inspired by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, created to address gender parity in the film industry, to champion women at every stage of their creative journey, and to shine a spotlight on women creators making a significant difference in the industry. Past recipients are Patricia Arquette last year and Michelle Yeoh in 2022.

Others receiving honors this year at TIFF include filmmaker David Cronenberg, who will be recognized with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award; and Oscar-nominated actor Amy Adams, who will receive the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. Award-winning Korean Canadian actor and producer Sandra Oh is the inaugural Honorary Chair of TIFF’s largest fundraiser, now in its sixth year. Some of those honored at previous TIFF Tribute Awards include Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Colman Domingo, Brendan Fraser, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, Michelle Yeoh, and Chloé Zhao.