Barbra Streisand Misses Cannes After Knee Injury

Barbra Streisand will not be making her long-awaited Cannes debut after all. The legendary singer, actress, and filmmaker announced Sunday that a knee injury will keep her from attending the Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony, where she was set to receive an Honorary Palme d’Or — the most prestigious honor the festival can bestow.

“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,” the 84-year-old 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.”

The ceremony was scheduled for May 23 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière in Cannes — and it would have marked Streisand’s very first appearance on the Croisette. Despite a career that has spanned decades and crossed virtually every corner of entertainment, she had never had a film in competition or otherwise at the festival. This was supposed to be the moment.

“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,” she added. “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.”

The Tribute Will Still Happen

The festival confirmed it will go ahead with its planned tribute to Streisand at the closing ceremony regardless. “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,” organizers said in a press release, adding that “Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire Festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.”

When the honor was first announced, both Knobloch and Frémaux were effusive in their praise. “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,” Knobloch said. “As a woman, I am delighted to be able to express our admiration for this consummate creator and courageous citizen, whose example stands the test of time and continues to inspire.”

Frémaux was equally warm. “She is the legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the music hall stage and the big screen,” he said. “Hearing her sing and seeing her perform are part of our best years.”

Streisand joins Peter Jackson, who was honored at the festival’s opening ceremony, and John Travolta, who received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or on Friday ahead of the premiere of his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach. Three honorary Palmes in a single edition is a remarkable gesture from a festival that doesn’t hand them out lightly.

For Streisand — an EGOT winner whose career stretches from Funny Girl to Yentl to her landmark 2023 memoir — the recognition from Cannes carries its own particular weight. The festival’s tribute will go on May 23 with or without her in the room. And knowing Barbra, the room will feel her presence anyway.