Barbra Streisand has revealed she is managing an ongoing knee injury, which is why she cannot attend this year's Cannes Film Festival. The 84-year-old singer and actress was scheduled to receive one of three honorary Palme d'Or awards at the 2026 French festival. However, she has now issued a statement explaining her absence from the closing ceremony on the French Riviera.
In her statement, Streisand 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.' The EGOT winner 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. 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.'
The 'Way We Were' star continued: '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.'
Despite her absence, the festival plans to honor Streisand during the closing ceremony at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. The festival said in a statement: 'Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.'
Earlier in the 2026 Cannes edition, 'Lord of the Rings' director Peter Jackson and John Travolta received honorary Palme d'Or awards. Travolta, 72, was visibly moved after receiving his award, which coincided with the premiere of his directorial debut. He described the film, 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach', an adaptation of his 1997 children's book, as 'the most personal thing I've ever done'. Festival director Thierry Frémaux presented Travolta with the lifetime achievement award. Wearing a dark suit and cream beret, Travolta declared: 'This is beyond the Oscar.'
