Barbra Streisand will miss the Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony after doctors advised her not to travel because of a knee injury. In a statement released Friday, Streisand said she’s following medical advice to prioritize recovery over the trip to France. “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 wrote. The message didn’t specify when the injury occurred or how severe it is, but it made clear she won’t be there to accept the honor in person.

Streisand is slated to receive an honorary Palme d’Or during the festival’s closing ceremony on May 25. The award recognizes her decades-spanning impact on film and music, but she’ll miss the moment due to her health. The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in global cinema, and losing Streisand’s presence—even briefly—is a notable absence. Festival organizers haven’t commented on whether they’ll adjust the ceremony to honor her remotely or reschedule the tribute.

Streisand’s Cannes History and the Honorary Award

Streisand has long been a Cannes fixture, though mostly as a spectator rather than a competitor. She’s attended the festival multiple times, often drawing paparazzi attention for her glamorous arrivals and star power. This year’s honorary Palme d’Or is a rare career milestone, formally recognizing her contributions to cinema beyond her iconic singing career. Past honorary winners include Jane Fonda, Pedro Almodóvar, and Martin Scorsese.

The festival’s decision to honor Streisand reflects her cultural footprint. She’s one of the few artists to achieve superstardom in both music and film, with credits like A Star Is Born, Funny Girl, and The Way We Were. Her absence this weekend won’t change the award’s significance, but it’s a reminder that even icons face health challenges. Fans and industry insiders will likely watch closely for updates on her recovery.

What Happens Next for Streisand and Cannes

Streisand didn’t say whether she’ll attend future Cannes events or if she plans to accept the honorary award at a later date. The festival’s closing ceremony will proceed without her, though organizers may find a way to acknowledge the honor digitally or in a future appearance. Her team hasn’t responded to requests for comment on possible alternatives, like a pre-recorded acceptance speech or a future in-person ceremony.

For now, the focus shifts to Cannes’ main competition and the films taking home top honors. Streisand’s honorary award remains a highlight of the festival, even if she can’t be there to receive it. Her absence underscores how health issues can disrupt even the most carefully planned events, especially for someone in their 80s. The industry will likely rally around her recovery, and fans can expect updates from her representatives as she heals.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Variety
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 17:43 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #variety · #movies · #hollywood · #entertainment · #barbra-streisand-unable · #attend-cannes-closing

Read the Full Story

This is a curated summary. For the complete article, original data, quotes and full analysis:

Read the full story on Variety →

All reporting rights belong to the respective author(s) at Variety. GlobalBR News summarizes publicly available content to help readers discover the most relevant global news.

Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

A lenda da música e do cinema Barbra Streisand emocionou fãs e críticos ao redor do mundo ao ser anunciada como a vencedora do Prêmio Palme d’Or honorário no Festival de Cannes 2024, mas uma lesão no joelho a impedirá de estar presente na cerimônia de encerramento. A notícia, que poderia ter sido um momento de glória para a nonagenária artista, transformou-se em um lembrete da fragilidade física que, mesmo aos 82 anos, ainda não conseguiu conter o brilho de sua carreira de sete décadas.

A decisão de Streisand de não comparecer ao evento, marcado para esta semana, reacendeu discussões sobre os desafios enfrentados por ícones da cultura ao envelhecerem no centro das atenções. No Brasil, onde o cinema e a música internacional sempre exerceram forte influência — especialmente entre as gerações que cresceram com seus clássicos como Funny Girl e Nasce uma Estrela —, a ausência da cantora em um palco tão simbólico como o de Cannes levanta questões sobre como a indústria lida com o legado e a saúde de suas maiores estrelas. Para muitos brasileiros, a notícia também serve como um lembrete de que, por trás dos holofotes, até os mais poderosos estão sujeitos às limitações do corpo.

Enquanto isso, os organizadores do festival já estudam alternativas para homenagear Streisand, que deve receber o prêmio em uma cerimônia privada ou por meio de uma transmissão especial.