Barbra Streisand will receive an Honorary Palme d’or at the 79th Festival de Cannes, it has been announced.
“An iconic artist and embodiment of the American dream in all its original splendour, Barbra Streisand is a star,” Cannes said.
“In recognition of her career, the world-renowned actress, director, producer, screenwriter, singer and songwriter will receive an Honorary Palme d’Or during the Awards Ceremony, broadcast live from the Palais des Festivals stage on Saturday 23 May.”
“It is with a sense of pride and deep humility that I’m honoured to join the company of past Honorary Palme d’Or recipients whose work has long inspired me,” Streisand said.
“In these challenging times, movies have the ability 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 shape a more compassionate world.”
Iris Knobloch, president of the Festival de Cannes, added: “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.”
On the big screen, Streisand has had 19 feature roles and three directorial credits, gaining two Oscars – she was the first woman to win Best Original Song in 1977 – and 11 Golden Globes in the process.
In music, she has released 37 studio albums and 13 soundtracks, picking up 10 Grammy Awards and becoming the only artist to reach number one in album sales for six consecutive decades.
Festival director Thierry Frémaux remarked: “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.”
This news follows the recent announcement that Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson will also pick up an Honorary Palme d’Or at this year’s festival.
