Cate Blanchett Warns Against "Unthinking Certainty" Upon Receiving Japan's Praemium Imperiale

Actor Cate Blanchett accepted Japan’s Praemium Imperiale award at a ceremony in Tokyo, using the occasion to discuss the importance of artistic doubt and creative uncertainty.

Praemium Imperiale Recognition

Presented by the Japan Art Association and handed over by Japan’s Princess Hitachi at the Meiji Kinenkan, the Praemium Imperiale honors lifetime achievement across five disciplines: painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and theater/film. The honor includes a testimonial letter and an honorarium of 15 million yen. Other 2025 recipients include Jenny Holzer, Andy Goldsworthy, Daniel Libeskind, and Herbert Blomstedt.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, serving as an international adviser for the prize, attended the press conference and emphasized the vital role of arts and culture amid democratic threats and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Reflections on Doubt and Artistry

During a news conference ahead of the ceremony, Blanchett spoke about the value of questioning and creative uncertainty in an era of unthinking certainty. She noted that doubt serves as her artistic starting point, helping her explore the spaces between what characters say and what they leave unexpressed.

Upcoming Tokyo Appearances

Blanchett's schedule in Japan includes appearances at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, which runs through November 4. She is scheduled to participate in a Q&A following the Japanese premieres of shorts supported by the Displacement Film Fund, as well as a discussion alongside directors David and Nathan Zellner regarding their comedy film *Alpha Gang*.

Readers can verify official announcements through the Japan Art Association and the Tokyo International Film Festival.