Jane Fonda shares Barbra Streisand’s Oscar-winning tribute to Robert Redford
Jane Fonda clears the air for Barbra Streisand’s Oscar-nominated ode to Robert Redford, “The Way We Were.”
Barbra Streisand will miss this year’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival due to a knee injury.
The 84-year-old star of Oscar-winning “Funny Girl” is one of the honorary Palme d’Or winners at the French film festival, but on May 17 she confirmed she would not be able to attend.
“On the advice of doctors, Streisand unfortunately will not be able to attend this year’s Cannes Film Festival as she continues to recover from a knee injury,” Streisand said in a statement released by the festival. “However, we were extremely honored to receive the honorary Palme d’Or and were very much looking forward to celebrating the 79th edition of this great film.”
He added: “I was really looking forward to spending time with my colleagues, whom I greatly admire, and of course returning to France, a place I’ve always loved. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to be there in person, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the filmmakers around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision will be celebrated this year. Thank you to the festival and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of film.”
Festival organizers sent a message to Streisand, saying they “sincerely hope for a speedy recovery.” Tributes to the iconic actress, singer and director will continue at the festival’s closing ceremony on May 23rd.
Streisand was announced in March as the recipient of the prestigious Palme d’Or, the film festival’s lifetime achievement award.
At the time, festival director Thierry Frémaux described Streisand as a “legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, the music hall stage and the big screen,” adding, “Hearing her sing and being able to see her perform are some of our best years.”
Peter Jackson and John Travolta also won honorary Palme d’Or at this year’s festival. Elijah Wood presented the award to the “Lord of the Rings” director, and Travolta cried as he accepted the award, saying the “humble” honor was “unexpected.”
Other honorary Palme d’Or winners in recent years include Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, George Lucas, and Meryl Streep.
In March, Streisand attended the 2026 Academy Awards and paid tribute to her co-star in The Way We Were, Robert Redford. Describing the late actor and director as “an intelligent cowboy who forged his own path,” he said, “I miss him now more than ever.”
contribute: Anthony Robredo, USA TODAY
