Meryl Streep, one of the greatest film stars of all time, has added another accolade to her extensive collection. The star of The Iron Lady, Sophie’s Choice, and Kramer vs. Kramer was honored with the Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival ceremony.
Amid tears and ovations, the actress received the prestigious award from the hands of French actress Juliette Binoche, with the song “Dancing Queen” by the Swedish group ABBA, which is part of the soundtrack of the musical Mamma Mia!, in which the star featured in 2008, playing in the background.
“This award is unique in the world of cinema and I am very honored to receive it,” said the Manhattan-born actress.
“I am very grateful that you haven’t gotten tired of my face,” joked the actress, eliciting laughter from the entire audience. In the reading of the verdict to present her with the award, Juliette Binoche highlighted her humor and her ability, despite her great talent, not to take herself too seriously.
“You have changed our way of seeing women in the world of cinema and have given us a new image of ourselves,” said the French actress, moved by the moment, unable to hold back tears, just like other prominent film figures in the Grand Théâtre Lumière such as director Greta Gerwig, president of the festival’s jury this year.
Meryl Streep has immortalized her name in the greatest heights of cinema by bringing to life all kinds of female characters, ranging from a concentration camp survivor haunted by her past to an eccentric editor-in-chief of one of the world’s most important fashion magazines.
Read also: Breaking Stereotypes: Female Characters Redefining Narratives in Film and Animation
The actress has been awarded the Oscar three times, the highest distinction given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States, in addition to having 21 nominations. In 2023, the actress also received another major award, the Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts.
Here is the full speech of the 74-year old iconic actress:
This story was written in spanish by Daniel Matute in Cultura Colectiva
