Barbra Streisand will also receive an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes this year
The Oscar-winning actress and legendary singer will be palmed during the closing ceremony, a few days after the opening tribute to Peter Jackson.
This will be his very first appearance on the Croisette. And she won’t make the trip for nothing!
Barbra Streisand will be celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival this year. The American legend will be presented with an honorary Palme d’Or during the closing ceremony on May 23, 2026.
“It is with pride and deep humility that I join the circle of past recipients of the Honorary Palme d’Or, whose work has long inspired me” rejoices Streisand (quoted by Variety). “In these difficult times, cinema has the power to open our hearts and minds to stories that reflect our shared humanity, and to perspectives that remind us of both our fragility and our resilience. Cinema transcends borders and politics, and affirms the power of imagination to build a more compassionate world.”
For Thierry Frémaux, director of the festival, she represents much more than a world star (via Variety):
“Barbra Streisand is above all an artist, initiating projects that reflect who she is, that belong to her and that she shares with the whole world. She is the legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the musical stage and the big screen. Hearing her sing and seeing her perform are among our fondest memories.”
With a career spanning several decades, Barbra Streisand is particularly known for her cult roles in funny girl by William Wyler (1968), which won her the Oscar for best actress. She also received a statuette in 1976 for best song, with “Evergreen”, from the film A Star is Born. Barbra Streisand also shone in Our best years by Sydney Pollack (1973) opposite Robert Redford or even Yentl directed by herself (1983).
The Cannes press release underlines: “Barbra Streisand has reached the top of the entertainment industry like no one before her. But this impressive record pales in comparison to its influence on pop culture in the second half of the 20th century.”
Previous recipients of the Honorary Palme d’Or include Agnès Varda, Marco Bellocchio, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro and Tom Cruise. The American star will follow Peter Jackson, who will be honored a few days earlier, during the opening ceremony.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 12 to 23.
