AceShowbiz - Barbra Streisand will not attend the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival due to a knee injury, organizers confirmed. The legendary actress and singer was expected to receive the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or on May 23, marking what would have been her first appearance at the festival.

The Cannes Film Festival announced on Sunday that they had been "just informed" of Streisand's inability to attend the event. This unexpected development comes as a disappointment to fans and festival organizers alike, as the ceremony was set to honor her remarkable contributions to cinema.

In a statement, Streisand explained, "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." She expressed her deep gratitude for the Honorary Palme d’Or and her excitement about the festival’s 79th edition, highlighting her anticipation to celebrate the outstanding films and filmmakers featured.

Barbra Streisand also shared her personal regrets about missing the opportunity to reunite with colleagues she admires and to return to France, a country she has long loved. Despite her absence, she extended her warmest congratulations to all the international filmmakers whose creative talents are being recognized this year and thanked the festival for its ongoing support of cinematic arts.

Although Streisand will not be present in person, the Cannes closing ceremony will still pay tribute to her achievements. This momentous occasion would have marked her debut at the iconic festival, making her absence all the more notable.

The festival’s closing event on May 23 remains a highlight of the Cannes calendar, and the tribute to Streisand will honor her legacy despite her enforced withdrawal. Attendees and fans will undoubtedly feel her presence through this celebration of her distinguished career and artistic impact.