Cate Blanchett, who reprises her role as Queen Elizabeth in the upcoming “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” will be honored with the Modern Master Award at the 2008 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

She will receive the award during a tribute ceremony Jan. 26 at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre.

Blanchett, who earned Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for her performance in 1998’s “Elizabeth,” also is known for her roles in such films as Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Babel” and Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator.” She also stars in Todd Haynes’ upcoming “I’m Not There,” in which she embodies one stage in the life of Bob Dylan.

“Cate Blanchett is the most consummate actor, and portraying Queen Elizabeth and Bob Dylan in the same year — and so indelibly — is pure alchemy,” SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said.

The SBIFF runs from Jan. 24-Feb. 3.

The Modern Master Award is the highest honor presented by the festival; past recipients include Michael Douglas, Jackson and Jodie Foster.

source: hollywoodreporter.com