Violinist Dene Olding, conductor Nicolette Fraillon and harpist Alice Giles are among other arts figures honoured.

Cate Blanchett has been made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours – the highest award for a civilian.

Cate Blanchett. Photograph © Steven Chee

Blanchett was recognised for “eminent service to the performing arts as an international stage and screen actor, through seminal contributions as director of artistic organisations, as a role model for women and young performers, and as a supporter of humanitarian and environmental causes.”

Blanchett is one of the nation’s most revered actors, with numerous acting accolades to her name including two Academy Awards (for The Aviator in 2004 and Blue Jasmine in 2014) and six ACCTAs. She was nominated for a Tony Award this year for her performance in Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The Present, Andrew Upton’s adaptation of Chekhov’s Platonov, but was pipped to the award by Laurie Metcalf for A Doll’s House, Part 2.

Blanchett was co-Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company with her husband Upton from 2008 to 2013, and remains a director of the company’s fundraising body, the STC...