Cate Blanchett swapped her Armani frocks for academic gowns as she received an honorary doctorate in Sydney.
It was a different kind of red carpet for Dr Blanchett, who walked in the academic procession for the Macquarie University Graduation Ceremony.
The actress received a Doctor of Letters from the university - making it her third honorary doctorate, with both New South Wales and Sydney Universities previously presenting her with the award.
Dr Blanchett's extensive list of achievements, including her two Academy Award wins and prolific work at Sydney Theatre Company, were read out before she was presented with the Doctor of Letters and took to the podium to deliver a speech.
"I'm just a ring-in really, but thank you, I'm greatly honoured," Blanchett said after congratulating the graduates.
Blanchett, who started her tertiary education at Melbourne University in the fine arts before becoming a famous actress, talked about the importance of the arts.
"The arts are what we stay alive for, what we work all week for, what we dream about, what connects us and indeed, what some would say makes us human.
"It is the arts that has always been the driver of innovation and exploration," Blanchett said.
"So remember, when someone asks `what the hell can you do with an Arts degree?,' ask them what can the world do without one?"
Blanchett then used her own experience to encourage the graduates to find their passion, a "tool" she has used throughout her career.
"My journey thus far ... looks on paper, random, and indeed being open to randomness to chance, to variety and therefore to opportunity has been a vital tool in my own personal tool kit.
"On a deeper level, it hasn't been random at all, because it's been held together by my passions and beliefs ... these are without doubt the most vital ingredients of all. Discover those and you're truly on your way."
The actress closed her speech with a quote from educationalist Ken Robinson: "Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value. It is a process, it is not random. You can be creative in anything - maths, science, engineering, philosophy, as much as you can in music and dance.
"Creativity is putting your imagination to work and it has produced the most extraordinary results in human culture.
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