Barbra Streisand is unable to attend the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony to just accept her honorary Palme d’Or after struggling a knee harm.
“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 mentioned in a press release on Sunday. “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: “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. 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.”
The pageant will nonetheless pay tribute to the singer, actor and filmmaker throughout its closing ceremony on Might 23, although she won’t attend in particular person. “Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery,” the pageant mentioned in a press launch.
Streisand is the third recipient of a Cannes honorary Palme d’Or this 12 months, alongside “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson and John Travolta, who premiered his directorial debut “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” on the fest. Travolta was surprised with the award earlier than the screening, which prompted an emotional response from the “Grease” and “Pulp Fiction” star.
“This is beyond the Oscar,” Travolta mentioned via tears. “I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.”
The Cannes closing ceremony, which is able to reveal the winner of the celebrated Palme d’Or for greatest movie, will happen at 8:15 p.m. CET on Might 23.
