Barbra Streisand makes Cannes history with lifetime Palme dOr
The 79th Cannes Film Festival closes tonight with Barbra Streisand set to receive the festival’s highest honor, the Palme d’Or, in a historic moment for cinema. Festival officials confirmed the legendary filmmaker, actress, and singer will be awarded the prestigious prize during the closing ceremony, marking the first time the Palme d’Or has been given as a lifetime achievement award to an individual rather than a film, according to *France24* .
Streisand’s recognition caps a festival dominated by bold storytelling and political undercurrents. The competition’s final screenings included Léa Mysius’ psychological thriller *The Birthday Party*, starring Monica Bellucci, which premiered to strong reviews despite criticism of its pacing, *The Guardian* reported . Cristian Mungiu’s *Fjord*, featuring Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan, and Clio Barnard’s *I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning* also drew praise as potential contenders for the festival’s top prizes, *France24* noted .
The festival’s final days were overshadowed by controversy, as French media giant Canal+ threatened to blacklist nearly 600 film professionals—including Juliette Binoche and Jean-Pascal Zadi—for signing a petition criticizing billionaire Vincent Bolloré’s influence over French cinema. The move, condemned as a modern-day blacklist, sparked debates over artistic freedom and corporate control, *The Guardian* and *Euronews* reported .
Elsewhere, Spanish directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo (*Los Javis*) revealed their next project—a first English-language film—following the breakout success of their competition entry *La Bola Negra*, which became a festival sensation after its premiere, *El Mundo* reported . Penélope Cruz also left her mark on the festival with a standout performance in the same film, delivering one of the year’s most quoted lines, according to *El Mundo* .
The 79th edition, led by jury president Park Chan-wook, concludes with the Palme d’Or winner to be announced tonight. Streisand’s honorary award, however, already cements this year’s festival as a landmark for both artistic achievement and industry upheaval.
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Cannes Film Festival: Barbra Streisand to receive Palme dOr The 79th Cannes Film Festival draws to a close Saturday with the presentation of one of cinemas highest honors, the Palme dOr.
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