Barbra Streisand skips Cannes Festival closing gala on medical advice
Doctors advised the 84-year-old star to avoid travel during recovery
Barbra Streisand has withdrawn from attending this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where she was due to receive an honorary Palme d’Or, after being advised by doctors to rest while recovering from a knee injury.
The 84-year-old entertainment icon was scheduled to appear at the festival’s closing gala next weekend in France, but medical guidance has ruled out travel as she continues her recovery.
In a statement, Streisand said she was “deeply honoured” to receive the award but disappointed not to be able to attend in person.
“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,” she said.
She added that she had been looking forward to returning to France and celebrating the festival’s lineup of international films, as well as spending time with fellow filmmakers.
“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,” she said, adding her thanks to the festival for its continued support of cinema.
Festival organisers confirmed that Streisand will still be honoured in her absence, with the award recognising her decades-long contribution to both film and music.
The Cannes Film Festival described her as a “dazzling actress” and a “force of nature,” highlighting her impact from Funny Girl to her influential work behind the camera.
Officials including Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux sent their well-wishes, hoping for her “prompt recovery.”
It is not yet known how Streisand sustained the injury or when she is expected to return to public appearances.
Streisand joins a list of celebrated figures who have received honorary Palme d’Or awards, including Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, and Tom Cruise.
