Barbra Streisand is set to receive the 2024 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will move to Netflix on Feb. 24.
The award is presented annually to an actor who exhibits what the guild describes as the “finest ideals of the acting profession.” In Streisand’s case, it joins a lengthy list of accolades including her two Academy Awards, eight Grammys (plus the Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement Awards), five Emmys and an honorary Tony. She is the 59th recipient of the tribute; she follows Sally Field, who received it during the 2023 telecast.
The buzzy announcement comes on the heels of Streisand publishing her memoir, which had her making the media rounds. No surprise, My Name is Barbra, as the book is titled, became an instant New York Times best-seller. The memoir, which she’s said was designed, in part, to dispel the many “myths” about her, served as a reminder of her many career milestones as well. Among them: her directorial debut, Yentl, which earned five Oscar noms, as well as her other directorial efforts like The Prince of Tides and The Mirror Has Two Faces.
“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,” Streisand 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.”
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, whose own profile has skyrocketed following the recently concluded actor strike, added of her honoree: “Barbra Streisand is an icon and unparalleled talent, a force of nature who has seamlessly woven her brilliance through the fabric of our industry. 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.”
She continued: “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.”
The SAG Awards will stream live for the first time on Netflix, serving as something of an experiment for the streaming service. Last year’s telecast was broadcast live on the streamer’s YouTube channel. The nominees for this year’s event, which is being held at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, will be unveiled early next year.
This story was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.
