Actors Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar will receive the Freedom of the City of London for their work in the arts. The 56-year-old Australian, who won Oscars for her roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, has long been an advocate for action on climate change and a range of humanitarian issues. Northern Irishman Dunbar, 66, is best known for his time as Supt Ted Hastings in the award-winning TV series Line of Duty and has written and directed plays. Both have performed at the Barbican over the past year, and Mr Dunbar is an alumnus of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. One of the City of London's ancient traditions, freedoms are believed to have been handed out since 1237. They give thanks to individuals for their contribution to London or public life - or to celebrate a very significant achievement, the City of London Corporation (CLC) says. Ms Blanchett's and Mr Dunbar's names were included on a list of more than 50 people nominated to receive the Freedom, which was approved at a Court of Common Council. Alderman Russell, chair of the CLC's Freedom applications committee, said Freedom is "offered as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement". Representatives for Blanchett and Dunbar have been approached for comment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London onSoundsand follow BBC London onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas tohello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Blanchett and Dunbar awarded Freedom of the City
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"Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar Receive Freedom of the City of London"
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Actors Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar have been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in recognition of their significant contributions to the arts. Cate Blanchett, a 56-year-old Australian actress, is renowned for her performances in acclaimed films such as The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, both of which earned her Academy Awards. Beyond her acting accolades, she is also a passionate advocate for climate change action and various humanitarian causes. Adrian Dunbar, a 66-year-old Northern Irish actor, is best known for his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings in the critically acclaimed television series Line of Duty. In addition to his acting career, Dunbar has also made his mark as a playwright and director. Both actors have recently performed at the Barbican Theatre, further solidifying their ties to the cultural landscape of London. Dunbar's connection to the city is deepened by his status as an alumnus of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which has produced many notable talents in the performing arts.
The Freedom of the City is an ancient honor that has been bestowed since at least 1237. It serves as a formal recognition of individuals for their exceptional contributions to London or public life and is often granted to celebrate significant achievements. The City of London Corporation (CLC) confirmed that both Blanchett and Dunbar were among more than 50 nominees approved by the Court of Common Council. Alderman Russell, chair of the CLC's Freedom applications committee, highlighted that the award is intended to pay tribute to the outstanding contributions of the recipients. Representatives for both actors have been contacted for their comments on this recognition. This honor not only reflects their individual accomplishments in the arts but also their broader impact on the cultural and social fabric of London.
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