AceShowbiz - Barbra Streisand was at the center of a poignant moment during the 53rd Annual Emmy Awards ceremony in 2001, a night forever marked by sacrifice and national healing. Streisand, nominated for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her Fox special Barbra Streisand: Timeless, chose to forgo her personal moment of triumph in order to deliver a performance that resonated far beyond the glitz of awards season.

The Emmy ceremony, originally planned for September 16, 2001, was postponed twice in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Its final date was November 4, 2001, held at the much smaller Shubert Theater in Century City, Los Angeles, instead of the planned Shrine Auditorium. Heightened security measures included sharpshooters on rooftops, metal detectors for attendees, business closures nearby, and blocked underground parking levels to guard against potential threats.

That evening, Barbra Streisand was announced as the winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program by Eric McCormack and Debra Messing, stars of the popular series Will & Grace. Messing announced, “Barbra Streisand was unable to attend this evening. We congratulate her on this honor.” Although Streisand was indeed present at the venue, she made a remarkable decision not to take the stage to accept the award.

Instead of delivering an acceptance speech, Streisand prioritized the emotional impact of her closing performance. She chose to use her platform to help a grieving nation heal. The performance was a stirring rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” accompanied by a gospel choir. The staging was deeply moving, featuring the names of some of those lost in the attacks and a sign declaring, “Our hearts are broken. Our spirit is not.”

The performance earned a standing ovation from the audience and underscored the spirit of resilience and unity felt across the country. Streisand’s choice to withhold her acceptance speech allowed the focus to remain on the collective mourning and hope, rather than individual accolades.

This emotional moment came just days before country star Alan Jackson performed his own 9/11 tribute, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” at the Country Music Awards at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.

The Emmy-winning special, Barbra Streisand: Timeless, was taped live over New Year’s Eve 1999 and New Year’s Day 2000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. At the time of the broadcast, Streisand was 57 and delivered a performance that was both vocally impressive and warmly engaging. The special earned four Primetime Emmys in total, including one for Marvin Hamlisch for Outstanding Music Direction.

Streisand’s victory in 2001 marked her fifth Emmy win for a television special, following earlier honors for My Name Is Barbra (1965), Barbra Streisand: A Happening in Central Park (1969), Barbra Streisand...And Other Musical Instruments (1974), and Barbra Streisand: The Concert (1995).

The Timeless: Live in Concert album, a double-disc set released on September 19, 2000, was Streisand’s fifth live album. It debuted and peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart, remaining there for 17 weeks. The album also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, part of a remarkable 14 total nominations Streisand has received in this category.

Gary Smith, the executive producer of the 2001 Emmy telecast, had a longstanding professional relationship with Streisand. He had worked with her on many projects over the years, including her earlier specials and appearances on iconic programs such as The Judy Garland Show (1963) and Singer Presents Burt Bacharach (1971). Smith also produced the 2001 AFI Life Achievement Award special honoring Streisand. He passed away in August 2025 at age 90.

The 2001 Emmy ceremony was held under extraordinary circumstances, with many participants and viewers grappling with the emotional aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the beginning of the War in Afghanistan. Streisand’s selfless decision to prioritize her performance’s message over personal recognition was a powerful reminder of the role artists can play in moments of national crisis.

Her performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” remains one of the most memorable and heartfelt moments in Emmy history, demonstrating how entertainment can transcend celebration and become a vehicle for healing and hope.

For those who want to witness this historic performance, footage from the night of November 4, 2001, is available and continues to inspire viewers with its message of resilience and unity.