Barbra Streisand Won't Attend Cannes Film Festival Ceremony to Receive Honorary Palme d'Or

Barbra Streisand is being recognized at this year's Cannes Film Festival, but she won't be there in person to accept the honor.

The 84-year-old legend will miss the closing ceremony on May 23, where she's slated to receive an honorary Palme d'Or. A knee injury has forced her absence from the event, with medical advice keeping her from making the trip.

"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 she was particularly disappointed to miss reconnecting with industry colleagues and returning to France, which she described as a place she has 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," her statement read.

"My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema."

The festival issued its own message of support. "Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery," organizers said.

Streisand joins Peter Jackson and John Travolta as recipients of honorary Palme d'Or awards at the 2026 festival.