Barbra Streisand issues health update amid 2026 Cannes Fest withdrawal

Barbra Streisand has issued a health update following her withdrawal from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where she was due to accept an honorary Palme d'Or during the closing ceremony.

The 79th edition of the prestigious festival is currently taking place, with the Funny Girl actress joining Peter Jackson and John Travolta in being honoured with the aforementioned award.

Streisand won't be collecting the award in person, however, as she recovers from a knee injury. The closing ceremony takes place this Saturday, May 23, where a planned tribute to her work is still due to be included.

"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," said Streisand in a statement via Variety. "But I am deeply honoured to receive the honorary Palme d’Or.”

She continued, "[I] had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition. I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire - and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved."

"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,” The Way We Are actress mentioned.

Barbra Streisand, who has won two Academy Awards and 10 Grammys, concluded, "My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema."

The festival also released a statement following the star's withdrawal, reading: "Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery."