Barbra Streisand, the iconic 84-year-old singer and actress, has revealed that she is currently managing a knee injury, which has prevented her from attending this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The legendary performer was originally scheduled to receive one of three honorary Palme d’Or awards at the 2026 French festival, an honor that marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
In a statement released by her team, Streisand explained that she will be unable to attend the closing ceremony on the French Riviera due to medical advice. She said: “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.”
Despite her absence, Streisand expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. She added: “But I am deeply honoured 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.”
The Way We Were star continued to express her admiration for the filmmakers and artists who are being celebrated at this year’s festival. She said: “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.”
Although she won’t be physically present, the Cannes Film Festival has confirmed that it will still honor Streisand during its closing ceremony later this week at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. The festival organizers shared a statement expressing their well-wishes for her recovery, saying: “Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.”
This year’s Cannes Film Festival has already seen several notable honorees. Among them, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and John Travolta have both been presented with honorary Palme d’Or awards. Travolta, known for his role in Grease, was visibly emotional after receiving the honor. He premiered his directorial debut at the festival, a film titled Propeller One-Way Night Coach, which is an adaptation of his own 1997 children’s book of the same name.
Travolta described the film as “the most personal thing I’ve ever done.” During the ceremony, he was surprised when festival director Thierry Frémaux presented him with the prestigious lifetime achievement award. Dressed in a dark suit and a cream beret, Travolta remarked: “This is beyond the Oscar.”
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has proven to be a celebration of cinematic excellence, with tributes to some of the industry’s most respected figures. As the event continues, fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating the final presentations and the closing ceremony, where Barbra Streisand will be honored despite her absence.
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