Barbra Streisand © Russell James
After Peter Jackson and John Travolta, the third Honorary Palme d’Or of the 79th Festival de Cannes will celebrate the extraordinary career of American icon Barbra Streisand — actress, director, producer, screenwriter, singer and songwriter — during the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, May 23.
Unfortunately, the Festival has just been informed that Ms. Barbra Streisand will be unable to attend the ceremony at the Grand Théâtre Lumière in Cannes.
“On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year, says Barbra Streisand. But I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary Palme d’or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition. I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire – and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved. While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year. My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema.”
Nevertheless, The Festival de Cannes is excited to proceed with the planned tribute to celebrate Barbra Streisand on 23 May.
Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire Festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.
The awards ceremony, hosted by actress Eye Haïdara, will be broadcast live on France Télévisions from the Palais des Festivals on Saturday, May 23, at 8:15 p.m.
