In a statement released, Barbra Streisand expressed her regret at being unable to attend the Cannes Film Festival to receive the Honorary Palme d’or due to a knee injury. "On the advice of my doctors, as I continue to recover from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year," she said. "However, I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary Palme d’or and had been eagerly looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition. I was also very much looking forward to spending time with my esteemed colleagues and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved."
Her statement continued, "While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year. My heartfelt thanks go to the Festival and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema."
Despite her absence, the festival will proceed with the planned tribute to celebrate Streisand and her life’s work. The 79th Festival de Cannes kicked off on May 12 and runs through May 23. The awards ceremony, hosted by actress Eye Haïdara, will be broadcast live on France Télévisions from the Palais des Festivals on Saturday, May 23, at 8:15 p.m.
The festival expressed their disappointment at Streisand's inability to attend the ceremony. "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," they said. "Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire Festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery."
Cannes festival president Iris Knobloch said in a statement when announcing Streisand’s honor in March, "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. 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."
Cannes festival director Thierry Frémaux added, "A global star, Barbra Streisand is above all an artist, initiating projects that reflect who she is, that are her own and that she shares with the whole world. She is the legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the music hall stage and the big screen. Hearing her sing and seeing her perform are part of our best years."
