Legendary actress Meryl Streep received the honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival Tuesday night here, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
When French actress Juliette Binoche called her to the stage and presented her with the golden emblem of the city of Cannes, the 74-year-old actress received a thunderous two-and-a-half-minute standing ovation from the more than 2,000 guests who packed the Theater. Grand Lumière. . That includes Greta Gerwigdirector of Streep’s Little Women and president of this year’s Cannes jury, who wiped away tears.
“You changed the way we look at women,” Binoche said, choking with emotion as Streep consoled her.
“This award is unique in the world of film and I feel very, very honored to receive it,” said Streep, who thanked her agent, Kevin Huvane, with whom she has worked professionally for 33 years. She also thanked J Roy Helland, her hair and makeup artist, saying that “he is responsible for almost every single character I have played over the last half century.”
She noted that the last time she was in Cannes she was about to turn 40 and was a mother of three children.
“I thought my career was over, and that wasn’t an unrealistic expectation for actresses at the time,” Streep said. “And the only reason I am here tonight and that this continued is because of the talented artists I have worked with, including Madame the President.” [Gerwig]”.
Streep’s only previous visit to the Croisette was 35 years ago, when she accompanied the film “A Scream in the Dark” to the festival. Her performance was recognized by the jury with the award for best actress.
Known for his multiple performances in a wide variety of films spanning nearly half a century, including The Deer Hunter, Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie`s Choice, Out of Africa, The Bridges of Madison County, The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia!, Doubt, Julie & Julia and The Iron Lady, the actress’ mantelpiece also includes three Academy Awards. Academy, eight Golden Globe Awards and two SAG Awards; acting awards from the Berlin, Telluride and Toronto film festivals; and career achievement awards from AFI, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center Honors.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, 18 previous winners of the honorary Cannes Palme, which was first presented in 2002 and recognizes professional achievement, include Catherine Deneuve, Jane Fonda, Clint Eastwood, Agnes Varda, Jodie Foster, Tom Cruise and, last year, Harrison Ford and Michael Douglas.
This year, two more honorary Palmes will be awarded: one to Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli on May 20 (he is the first non-individual to receive one) and the other to Streep’s American colleague and “New Hollywood” pioneer. George Lucas during the closing ceremony on May 25.
When Streep’s Honorary Palme was first announced, she said in a statement: “I feel immensely honored to receive news of this prestigious award. Winning an award in Cannes, for the international community of artists, has always represented the greatest achievement”. in the art of cinema. Standing in the shadow of those who have been honored before is humbling and exciting in equal measure. I look forward to coming to France to thank you all in person this May!” according to The Hollywood Reporter.