Barbra Streisand will not be attending the Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony this year, despite being honored with an honorary Palme d’Or. The legendary 84-year-old singer-actress announced the decision on Sunday, May 17, citing her recovery from a recent knee injury.
Festival organizers confirmed that Streisand will still receive the prestigious award at the ceremony on Saturday, May 23, with organizers planning a tribute in her absence.
“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,” Streisand said in a statement. “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.”
She added that while disappointed about missing the event, she wanted to congratulate all the filmmakers being celebrated at this year’s festival.
Streisand will be honored alongside other distinguished honorees at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, including Peter Jackson, who received an honorary Palme d’Or at the opening ceremony, and John Travolta, who was honored ahead of his directorial debut.
The decision comes as the legendary performer prioritizes her health and recovery during the festival, which celebrates outstanding filmmaking from around the world.
