Festival de Cannes: Honorary Palme d’Or to Meryl Streep

The 77th Festival de Cannes, a renowned film festival, is all set to begin with a grand opening ceremony. Legendary American actress Meryl Streep will grace the occasion as the esteemed guest of honour at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on Tuesday, May 14. Renowned for her unparalleled contributions to cinema, Streep’s presence promises to elevate the opening ceremony of this prestigious event. The Festival will culminate on Saturday, May 25, with the highly anticipated awards presentation led by Jury President Greta Gerwig.

Honorary Palme d’Or

In recognition of her outstanding career and indelible mark on the world of film, Meryl Streep will be awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or during the ceremony. She is among the elite actors, including Jeanne Moreau, Catherine Deneuve, and Jane Fonda, who have received this prestigious award. Streep’s return to the Croisette after 35 years since her last appearance in Cannes is highly anticipated, and she is expected to impact the Festival significantly.

Expressing her gratitude for the prestigious accolade, Meryl Streep remarked, “I am immeasurably honoured to receive the news of this prestigious award. To win a prize at Cannes for the international community of artists has always represented the highest achievement in filmmaking. To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honoured is humbling and thrilling in equal part. I so look forward to coming to France to thank everyone in person this May!”

Something in us of Meryl Streep

Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux, the organizers of the Festival de Cannes, praised Meryl Streep for her long-lasting influence on cinema, saying, “We all have something in us of Meryl Streep! We all have something in us of “Kramer vs. Kramer”, “Sophie’s Choice”, “Out of Africa”, “The Bridges of Madison County”, “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Mamma Mia!” Because she has spanned almost 50 years of cinema and embodied countless masterpieces, Meryl Streep is part of our collective imagination, our shared love of cinema.”

Queen of Cinema

Throughout her illustrious career, Meryl Streep has showcased an unwavering commitment to her craft, embodying various characters. From historical epics like “Out of Africa” to dramas like “Evil Angels,” Streep’s ability to inhabit complex roles has earned her numerous accolades, including a record-breaking 21 Oscar nominations.

Advocate of Women in Film

Throughout her career, Meryl Streep has always been vocal in denouncing the precarious position of women in the film industry.
Aware of the issues surrounding the representation of women in Hollywood movies, she’s always been keen to portray all their facets in their complexity and fragility. From Stephen Daldry’s “The Hours” and Robert Altman’s “The Last Show” to two unexpected and funny roles: the cantankerous editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Donna, a hippie who marries off her daughter in the musical “Mamma Mia!”, Streep continues to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries.
She has also starred in biopics like “The Iron Lady” and “Julie & Julia” and political satires such as “Lions for Lambs,” “Pentagon Papers,” and “Don’t Look Up.”

As Meryl Streep takes centre stage at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, she embodies the spirit of cinematic excellence and artistic innovation. Her presence at the 77th Festival de Cannes is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and cinema’s profound impact on our collective consciousness.