Why the arrival of Meryl Streep will create an event in Cannes

Best for the beginning. The Cannes Film Festival announced on May 2 that Meryl Streep would receive an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening night of the 77th edition which will be held on May 14 on the stage of the Grand Théâtre Lumière. An announcement that delights movie buffs and festival-goers alike. The reason ? At 74, Meryl Streep has established herself as the greatest actress of her generation. The most nominated personality in the history of the Oscars (21 nominations), she won three for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980, Sophie’s choice in 1983 and Iron Woman in 2012. In addition to these prestigious awards, there are eight Golden Globes, two Baftas and a Silver Bear, that of best actress for The Hours.

In 1989, she won the Best Actress Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for A cry in the night by Fred Schepisi. Thirty-five years later, here she is back on the Croisette, where she will kick off this 77th edition chaired by Greta Gerwig (the director of barbie directed Meryl Streep in her adaptation of Daughters of the Doctor Marchreleased in 2020).

An expected return to the Croisette

This is only the second time that Meryl Streep will walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. “I am extremely honored to learn that I will receive this prestigious award. Winning an award at Cannes, for the international community of artists, has always represented the highest distinction in the art of filmmaking. Standing in the shadow of those who have already been honored is both humbling and thrilling. I can’t wait to come to France to thank each and everyone in person next May! » she declared in an official press release upon the announcement of this Honorary Palme d’Or. If the star has around ten films to her credit per year (between 2001 and 2009, the actress was even featured in 19 films!), she very rarely comes to France. Expected this year in different projects, she is back in particular for a season – the third –, of Big Little Liesalongside Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.

Meryl Streep vs. George Lucas

The presence of Meryl Streep in Cannes promises to feminize the announced podium of the Honorary Palme d’Or. Indeed, the festival will also present this trophy to Studio Ghibli, co-founded by Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke, The wind picks up), and to director George Lucas. The creator of Star Wars said in an official statement: “The Festival has always held a special place in my heart. I was surprised and delighted when my first film, THX-1138, was selected to be screened on the Croisette in 1971. Since then, I have returned to the Festival numerous times as screenwriter, director and producer. He will receive this prize during the closing evening of the festival, on May 25. Star Wars is declared.