Barbra Streisand, Honorary Palme d’or of the 79th Festival de Cannes

An iconic artist and embodiment of the American dream in all its original splendor, Barbra Streisand is a star. In recognition of her career, the world-renowned actress, director, producer, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter will receive an Honorary Palme d’or during the Awards Ceremony, broadcast live from the Palais des Festivals stage on Saturday, May 23 .

“It is with a sense of pride and deep humility, that I’m honored to join the company of past Honorary Palme d’or recipients whose work has long inspired me,” Barbra Streisand said. “In these challenging times, movies have the ability to open our hearts and minds to stories that reflect our shared humanity, and to perspectives that remind us of both our fragility and our resilience. Cinema transcends borders and politics, and affirms the power of imagination to shape a more compassionate world.”

Often, numbers say little or not enough. And yet… For the big screen: 19 roles and 3 directorial credits, 2 Oscars and the first woman to win Best Original Song in 1977, 11 Golden Globes and the first woman to win Best Director in 1984. In music: 37 studio albums, 13 soundtracks, 10 Grammy Awards, the only artist to reach number one in album sales for six consecutive decades, the female artist with the most number one albums of all time until 2023. Barbra Streisand has reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry like no one before her. But this staggering record pales in comparison to her influence on pop culture in the second half of the 20th century.

Barbra Streisand is as powerful as her clear mezzo-soprano voice spanning two octaves. She is as free and independent, extravagant and unconventional in her life as she is in her work. Iris Knobloch, President of the Festival de Cannes, confides: “This year, we were keen to pay tribute to an artist who made her mark through the power of her art and her uncompromising pursuit of freedom. As a woman, I am delighted to be able to express our admiration for this consummate creator and courageous citizen, whose example stands the test of time and continues to inspire.”

She is a role model for all women, especially as she never lets difficulties hold her back. Yentl is the perfect illustration of this. Moved by a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer that she discovered in 1963, she bought the rights, but the film was not released until 20 years later. Determination and audacity came into play, as Barbra Streisand ended up directing herself and starring in the film, after producing and adapting it. Her first film made history: it was the first time that Hollywood granted a woman filmmaker such a large production budget. In this story of emancipation, cross-dressing, and a pioneer who breaks the rules to impose her own, how can we not see a metaphor for her own destiny? Two more movies followed, The Prince of Tides (7 Oscar nominations) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (2 Oscar nominations), a remake of André Cayatte’s Le Miroir à deux faces.

Having dreamed of becoming an actress since her childhood, she first turned to singing out of necessity. Her dazzling career, marked by passion, charisma, and high standards, began very early, very quickly, and very impressively: she triumphed in cabarets at the age of 18; on the Broadway stage at 20; with her first music album at 21; and in front of the camera at 26 in William Wyler’s Funny Girl, which earned her first Oscar.

A dazzling actress, an outstanding singer, a force of vitality, humor, and sensuality, Barbra Streisand strives for perfection. Despite her extreme professionalism, everything about her remains emotional and sincere. She excels at musicals—Hello, Dolly! (1969), A Star Is Born (1976)—and classic comedies—The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), For Pete’s Sake (1974), Meet the Fockers (2003)—and moves audiences in dramas like Nuts (1987) and one of the most beautiful love stories in post-war Hollywood cinema, The Way We Were (1973).

The Way We Were - Trailer

As Festival Director Thierry Frémaux remarks, “A global star, Barbra Streisand is above all an artist, initiating projects that reflect who she is, that are her own and that she shares with the whole world. She is the legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the music hall stage and the big screen. Hearing her sing and seeing her perform are part of our best years.”

Alongside her unstoppable success, Barbra Streisand is passionately committed to a number of causes. First and foremost, she has been a fervent supporter women’s heart health through the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute as well as numerous issues including, through the Streisand Foundation created in 1986: gender and minority equality, defending LGBTQ+ rights, protecting the environment, medical research, and arts education for disadvantaged children.

The Festival de Cannes is therefore particularly proud to welcome the legendary Funny Girl to La Croisette for the first time.

“Hello, Gorgeous!”

The Official Selection will be unveiled on April 9th, 2026.