The Oscar winner has been chosen as the honouree at this year's (15) benefit, held annually by MoMA's movie department, which marks its 80th anniversary this year (15), to help fund the maintenance of its extensive film collection and run festivals and retrospectives.

Rajendra Roy, MoMA's Chief Curator of Film, tells The Hollywood Reporter, "As MoMA's Department of Film marks its 80th anniversary, we're thrilled to honour a woman who embodies the greatest traditions of screen acting, while fiercely embracing innovation and risk.

"Cate Blanchett has the kind of talent that inspires others to deliver their best work, challenges the field to be more fully engaged with women artists and audiences and propels cinema forward with intelligence and grace."

The gala takes place in the Big Apple on 17 November (15). Previous honourees include Quentin Tarantino, Tilda Swinton and Alfonso Cuaron.