Why Barbra Streisand was forced to pull out of Cannes Film Festival

Barbra Streisand won’t be accepting her honorary Palme d’Or award in person at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 closing ceremony Saturday.

The “A Star Is Born” actress released a lengthy statement over the weekend explaining why she was forced to pull out of the May 23 event.

The 84-year-old did so “on the advice of [her] doctors,” she wrote Sunday.

“As I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year,” Streisand explained, noting that she is “deeply honored to receive the honorary Palme d’Or.”

The Oscar winner, who did not elaborate on the injury, “had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition,” as well as “spending time with colleagues whom [she] so admire[s]” and “returning to France.”

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.”

Streisand concluded, “My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema.”

The festival, in response, sent the singer the “warmest wishes for a prompt recovery.”

Streisand’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

In addition to Streisand, “Grease” star John Travolta and “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson will be honored at the Grand Théâtre Lumière ceremony.

Travolta debuted a new look at the film festival on Friday, made headlines for appearing nearly unrecognizable in slouchy beret and glasses.

The actor posed with daughter Ella, 26, to celebrate “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” his directorial debut based off his 1997 children’s book of the same name.

Before the film screened at Debussy Theater, the 72-year-old was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or.

Travolta got emotional accepting the “humbling” award, dubbing it “beyond the Oscar” as he gushed, “I can’t believe this. This is the last thing I expected.”

As for Jackson, he was given his award by Elijah Wood at the opening ceremony.