Barbra Streisand Had a Palme d'Or Waiting — So Why Did She Skip Cannes?

Barbra Streisand just scored Cannes highest lifetime honor and, of course, can not pick it up in person. Classic 2026 curveball: the icon is 84, recovering from a knee injury, and her doctors told her to sit this one out.

What is happening

Streisand was set to accept an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony later this month. Instead, she announced on Sunday, May 17, that she will miss the trip while she keeps rehabbing her knee. The festival will still salute her at the Saturday, May 23, closer, even without her there. Cannes also sent along get-well wishes and the polite version of: we will throw the party anyway.

"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... I am deeply honored to receive the honorary Palme d'Or."

In her note, Streisand said she had been excited to celebrate this 79th edition and see colleagues she admires, plus get back to France, which she loves. She also took a beat to congratulate the international lineup of filmmakers being honored this year and thanked the festival and everyone who still shows up for movie- making. EGOT energy even when grounded.

It is a busy year for honorary Palmes

Cannes is not just handing one of these out. Streisand is the third honorary Palme recipient this year, joining Peter Jackson and John Travolta. That is a lot of lifetime achievement for one festival, which is unusual and, frankly, kind of fascinating programming.

Travolta had a big moment

Travolta, 72, received his honor during the Friday, May 15, premiere of his directorial debut, a film with a wonderfully retro title: 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach.' He called the recognition humbling, said it felt bigger than an Oscar, and admitted he cried when festival chief Thierry Fremaux told him his movie had been accepted unusually early, which he was told set a record. He also paid Fremaux a very specific compliment about being the most discerning person in the industry. The man was in his feelings, and honestly, fair. Travolta hit the festival with his 26-year-old daughter, Ella, and his two sons.

Quick version

• Barbra Streisand, 84, is receiving the Cannes honorary Palme d'Or but will not attend due to a knee injury; she announced it on Sunday, May 17.
• Cannes will still honor her at the Saturday, May 23, closing ceremony of the festival's 79th edition and wished her a speedy recovery.
• Streisand thanked the festival, praised the global filmmakers in the lineup, and said she had hoped to return to France and see colleagues.
• This year, Cannes is honoring three figures with honorary Palmes: Streisand, Peter Jackson, and John Travolta.
• Travolta, 72, received his honor at the Friday, May 15, premiere of his first film as a director, 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach,' and delivered an emotional thank-you to Thierry Fremaux.
• Travolta attended with his daughter Ella, 26, and his two sons.