Barbra Streisand Withdraws from 2025 Cannes Film Festival Due to Knee Injury
The legendary singer, actress, and filmmaker will not attend the 79th Festival de Cannes, where she was scheduled to receive the Honorary Palme d'Or.
Announcement and Reason for Absence
In a statement released on April 27, Streisand announced her withdrawal from the festival, which runs from May 12 to 23. She cited medical advice related to a knee injury as the reason for her absence.
"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."
— Barbra Streisand
Her attendance would have marked her first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, as none of her films had previously been selected for the official lineup.
Festival Response
Cannes festival president Iris Knobloch and director Thierry Frémaux acknowledged Streisand's withdrawal and extended wishes for a prompt recovery.
The festival confirmed it will honor Streisand during the closing ceremony at the Grand Théâtre Lumière without her physical presence. The tribute will celebrate her professional work.
A festival spokesperson stated: "We are deeply disappointed but fully respect her decision. The tribute to her extraordinary career will proceed as planned."
Award Context and Schedule
The 79th Festival de Cannes is scheduled from May 12 to 23. The closing ceremony, where the main Palme d'Or winner will be announced, is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. CET on May 23.
Honorary Palme d'Or Recipients for 2021
Streisand is one of three individuals receiving the Honorary Palme d'Or at this year's festival:
Recipient Role Ceremony Peter Jackson New Zealand film director Opening ceremony John Travolta American actor May 24, before his directorial debut Barbra Streisand American singer, actress, filmmaker Closing ceremony (tribute only)Past Honorary Recipients
Previous recipients of the Honorary Palme d'Or include notable industry figures such as Agnès Varda, Marco Bellocchio, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, and Tom Cruise.
Additional Background
The festival had previously announced Streisand as a recipient in April. In its announcement, festival leadership noted her accomplishments in the entertainment industry and her influence on pop culture. Festival director Thierry Frémaux described her as:
"A legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the music hall stage and the big screen."
Philanthropic Work
Streisand's extensive philanthropic activities were also highlighted in the festival's original announcement. These include:
- Establishment of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute
- Creation of the Streisand Foundation, which supports:
- Gender and minority equality
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Environmental issues
- Medical research
- Arts education for disadvantaged children