Cate Blanchett has called for more Aussie actors on screen, as she tearfully accepted one of the highest honours in the Australian film industry at the AACTA awards.
Blanchett was given the Longford Lyell Award for outstanding contribution to Australian screen at the ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday by actors Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving.
"Oh I've become one of those ridiculous people who cries it's just a f***ing award," a teary Blanchett said as she accepted the gong.
A cavalcade of Hollywood directors, including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and Robert Redford delivered video messages congratulating the actress.
Blanchett said that more Australian actors should be cast.
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"It's not a quota ... it needs to be fought for," Blanchett said.
She also acknowledged how happy she was the award she received had had a name change to include Australian 19th century actress and film producer, Lottie Lyell.
"Thank you for recognising Lottie Lyell," she said.
"I think it's fantastic AACTAs is coming into the 21st century," she said in a nod towards gender equality, as the film industry works towards having 50/50 gender equity in upcoming Australian projects.
Directors Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese both lamented the fact they'd only had the chance to work with Blanchett once and would love to do it again.
"You are brilliant and you do honour to your craft," Ron Howard said.
The director of her upcoming film Carol, Todd Haynes, called the actress "a beacon, a galaxy and a mensch."
