Barbra Streisand Unable to Attend Cannes Closing Ceremony for Honorary Palme d’Or

On Sunday, Barbra Streisand announced that, on medical advice, she will not travel to Cannes to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or at the festival’s closing ceremony on May 23. The Cannes Film Festival confirmed the tribute will proceed, noting she was slated to appear at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.

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The Honorary Palme d’Or honors lifetime achievement in cinema. This year’s honorees are director Peter Jackson, actor-director John Travolta, and Streisand, whose career spans film, music and stage, including *Funny Girl*, *The Way We Were*, *Yentl* and *A Star Is Born*. Streisand’s awards include two Oscars (Best Actress 1969, Best Original Song 1977), an Emmy, a Grammy and a non-competitive Tony.

The Independent

• March 2026 – Cannes announced Streisand’s honorary award.

The Independent

• May 12 – 79th Festival de Cannes opened.

Hollywood Reporter

• May 22 – Streisand’s statement on her knee injury.

Hollywood Reporter

• May 23, 20:15 CET – Closing ceremony and tribute.

Variety Magazine

Streisand expressed deep honor for the award, apologized for her absence, and congratulated the global filmmakers celebrated at Cannes. Festival president Iris Knobloch said the festival aims to honor an artist whose work “continues to inspire,” while director Thierry Frémaux called Streisand “a global star” linking Broadway and Hollywood. The festival’s press release sent “warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.” John Travolta, also receiving an honorary Palme d’Or, described the honor as “beyond the Oscar” and “the last thing I expected.”

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Three honorary recipients are being recognized this year. Streisand’s accolades total two Oscars, one Emmy, one Grammy and one Tony. The 79th Cannes Festival runs May 12-23; the closing ceremony is broadcast live on France Télévisions.

Deadline Hollywood

Streisand’s planned appearance would have marked her first presence on the Croisette, highlighting Cannes’ recognition of multidisciplinary artists. Her absence underscores how health issues can affect high-profile cultural events while the festival maintains its commitment to honor artistic contributions irrespective of physical attendance.

Hollywood Reporter

• “Here is Streisand’s statement: 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.” — Barbra Streisand, statement

Deadline Hollywood

• “This year, we were keen to pay tribute to an artist who made her mark through the power of her art and her uncompromising pursuit of freedom,” — Iris Knobloch, festival president

Hollywood Reporter

• “A global star, Barbra Streisand is above all an artist, initiating projects that reflect who she is, that are her own and that she shares with the whole world,” — Thierry Frémaux, festival director

Hollywood Reporter

• “I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.” — John Travolta, after receiving his honorary Palme d’Or

Variety Magazine

The May 23 ceremony will feature the tribute to Streisand, Jackson and Travolta, followed by the competitive Palme d’Or for best film. Eye Haïdara will host, and France Télévisions will stream the event, concluding the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

Variety Magazine