The BFI is to bestow its highest honour, a Fellowship, on the Australian actress Cate Blanchett, at this year’s London Film Festival.

The festival organisers are also honouring the actress with a special Fellowship presentation screening of her film Truth, in which she plays the acclaimed American TV journalist Mary Mapes, who uncovered a number of scandals, including one involving the then president, George W Bush.

 

Truth is the second film starring Blanchett to be featured at this year’s London Film Festival, after Carol, the 1950s lesbian drama that earned her co-star Rooney Mara the best actress prize in Cannes.

The BFI chairman, Greg Dyke, said he was absolutely delighted to honour her extraordinary talent, describing Blanchett as “a compelling and brave actress, whose mesmerising screen presence has captivated audience since her earliest roles.”

Since the inception of the festival’s Awards night, the BFI has used the event to honour luminaries with Fellowships, including the director Stephen Frears last year, the late Sir Christopher Lee in 2013 and Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter in 2012.