Barbra Streisand recovering from knee surgery, will miss Cannes

May 17 (UPI) -- Singer, actress and filmmaker Barbra Streisand has announced she is recovering from knee surgery and has to miss accepting a prestigious award at the Cannes film festival.

A tribute to the artist is still expected to take place at the festival's closing ceremony on May 23.

"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," Streisand, 84, said in a statement Sunday.

"But I am deeply honored to receive the Honorary Palme d'or and 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," she added.

"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. My heartfelt thanks to the festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema."

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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM.