Barbra Streisand has cancelled her planned appearance at the Cannes Film Festival following a knee injury, per parade.com.
The 84-year-old American entertainer and EGOT winner was scheduled to attend the festival for the first time to receive an Honorary Palme d’Or during the closing ceremony on Saturday, May 23.
Festival organisers confirmed the cancellation on Sunday, May 17, after Streisand was advised by doctors not to travel whilst she recovers. In a statement, Streisand expressed her regret at being unable to attend the event in person, whilst offering her congratulations to the filmmakers being celebrated at this year’s festival.
Despite her absence, Cannes organisers confirmed that the festival will still pay tribute to Streisand’s career during the scheduled closing ceremony.
The festival also recognised American actor John Travolta, 72, who received an Honorary Palme d’Or whilst promoting his new film, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach”. Travolta attended the festival alongside his 26-year-old daughter and co-star, Ella Bleu Travolta.
The Honorary Palme d’Or is one of the highest accolades in global cinema, awarded to individuals with exceptional bodies of work who have never won the competitive Palme d’Or. Streisand’s scheduled acceptance would have marked a historic milestone in her six-decade career.
•Featured image: Barbra Streisand at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California/Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images
