Iconic songstress Barbra Streisand to receive ‘meaningful’ honour for decades of unforgettable performances

Renowned singer and actress Barbra Streisand is set to be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, in recognition of her outstanding career accomplishments and humanitarian contributions.

As the 59th recipient of the esteemed SAG-AFTRA tribute, Streisand will be celebrated on February 24 at the iconic Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Bestowed annually upon an actor who exemplifies the “finest ideals of the acting profession”, the SAG Life Achievement Award adds another illustrious accolade to Streisand’s extensive collection of international industry and public recognitions.

Throughout her illustrious career, Streisand has garnered a plethora of awards, including two Academy Awards, ten Grammys, which include the prestigious Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement Awards, five Emmy Awards, three Peabody Awards, a Tony Award, and a myriad of other distinguished accolades.

We are delighted to announce Barbra Streisand as the 59th SAG Life Achievement Award recipient. Join us in celebrating this entertainment icon’s remarkable career and incredible philanthropic contributions at the 30th annual #sagawards on @Netflix on Feb. 24, 5 PT / 8 ET. pic.twitter.com/Pq3qVycJyO

— SAG-AFTRA NEWS (@sagaftranews) December 14, 2023

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said the award celebrates “Streisand not just for her achievements but for the enduring legacy she has carved.”

“Barbra Streisand is an icon and unparalleled talent, a force of nature who has seamlessly woven her brilliance through the fabric of our industry,” she said.

“From her earliest days captivating audiences on Broadway to her unforgettable roles in cinematic classics like Funny Girl, The Way We Were, and A Star Is Born, Barbra’s ability to inhabit her characters with authenticity is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Her enduring career is a testament to her genuine performances, connecting with audiences on a profound level. She is a colossal icon with a relentless work ethic, evolving with each stage of her remarkable journey. We celebrate Barbra Streisand not just for her achievements but for the enduring legacy she has carved.”

Streisand spoke of her long-held dream to grace the silver screen while expressing how “especially meaningful” receiving the award is to her.

“Ever since I was a young girl sitting in the Loew’s Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, I dreamed of being one of those actresses I saw on the screen,” she said in a statement.

“The movies were a portal to a world I could only imagine. Even though I was an unlikely candidate, somehow my dream came true. This award is especially meaningful to me because it comes from my fellow actors, whom I so admire.”

Streisand’s illustrious career kicked off with the 1962 musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale, earning her a New York Drama Critic’s prize and a Tony Award nomination. Her iconic portrayal of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl in 1964 marked the beginning of her film career, clinching an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Notable roles like The Way We Were (1973) brought her another Academy Award nomination, and her song Evergreen from A Star Is Born (1976) earned her an Oscar for Best Original Song, making her the first woman in that category. Streisand’s impact goes beyond acting; she directed, produced, wrote, and starred in Yentl, becoming the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director.

With a career spanning six decades and 80 albums, Streisand’s influence extends across genres, earning her Grammys and the distinction of being the only artist with a #1 album in each of the last six decades. She has also been a dedicated advocate, establishing The Streisand Foundation in 1986, contributing to women’s cardiovascular health, and actively supporting various causes.

-with AP.