Barbra Streisand to Miss Cannes Closing Ceremony Honoring Her Due to Knee Injury

Barbra Streisand announced on May 17, 2026, that she will be unable to attend the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival to accept an honorary Palme d’Or. The singer and actor cited a knee injury as the reason for her absence from the event.

According to a statement released on May 17, 2026, Streisand is currently recovering from the injury and is following the guidance of her medical team. Despite her inability to travel to France, festival organizers confirmed that they will proceed with honoring her during the ceremony.

In her statement, Streisand expressed her gratitude for the recognition and her disappointment at missing the festivities of the 79th edition of the festival.

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. 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.

Barbra Streisand

Streisand further noted her affection for France and her desire to spend time with admired colleagues in the industry. She described France as a place I have always loved and extended her thanks to the festival and those who champion cinema.

Additional Honors at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

The honorary Palme d’Or has been awarded to several prominent figures during the current festival. During the opening ceremony, the festival presented the honor to Peter Jackson.

John Travolta received an honorary Palme d’Or on May 15, 2026. This recognition occurred ahead of the premiere of his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach.

While Streisand will not be present in person, she used her announcement to recognize the achievements of other participants in the festival.

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.

Barbra Streisand

The decision to honor Streisand marks a significant recognition of her career in the entertainment industry, though the injury prevents her from attending the long-running film festival in person.