Cate Blanchett to receive TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF announced that the renowned Australian actor and producer Cate Blanchett will be honoured at the 2024 TIFF Tribute Awards as the recipient of the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award. Blanchett will also participate in an In Conversation With… event, offering audiences an intimate look into the two-time Academy Award winner’s illustrious career.

A trailblazer in advocating for greater representation and equality in the film industry and one of the most revered performers in modern cinema, the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award winner is a leading woman in the film industry who has championed the careers of others and paved the way for the next generation. Honouring the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, the TIFF Tribute Awards is a fundraising event that takes place on Sunday, September 8 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, with proceeds going towards TIFF’s Every Story Fund, which champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film.

“Cate Blanchett is a marvel,” said 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 (2023) and Michelle Yeoh (2022).

Blanchett joins the recently announced iconic Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter 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. Serving as a kick-off to awards season, the Tribute Awards have in the past honoured Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Colman Domingo, Brendan Fraser, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, Michelle Yeoh, and Chloé Zhao, who have gone on to win awards on the international stage.

An integral part of TIFF’s year-round and Festival programming, In Conversation With… connects audiences with leading film artists through intimate, moderated discussions about their creative process. Packed with emotion and cultural significance, this series offers audiences a wide range of experiences.