Barbra Streisand has shared a health update after being forced to withdraw from the Cannes Film Festival, where she was set to receive an honorary Palme d'Or. The 84-year-old entertainment icon was absent from the event due to a knee injury, following medical advice to avoid travel from the United States to France.
Health Concerns Prompt Withdrawal
Streisand, known for her legendary career in film and music, was scheduled to be the guest of honour at the festival's closing ceremony. However, she had to cancel her appearance after doctors recommended she remain at home. In a statement, she said: "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 added: "But I am deeply honoured to receive the honorary Palme d'Or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition." The actress, who rose to fame with roles in Funny Girl, The Way We Were, and What's Up, Doc?, expressed her regret at missing the opportunity to connect with colleagues and return to France.
Festival's Response
The Cannes Film Festival organisers expressed their support, stating: "Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery." The festival will still honour Streisand at the closing ceremony on May 23. She is one of three recipients of the honorary Palme d'Or this year, alongside director Peter Jackson and John Travolta, who received his award earlier.
Travolta, caught off guard by the honour, said: "This is beyond the Oscar. I can't believe this. This is the last thing I expected." The winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or for best film will also be announced on May 23.
