Barbra Streisand Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at SAG Awards

Accepting the honor with her signature wit and charm, Streisand expressed gratitude for an award where recipients know in advance they will win, sparing them the discomfort of feigned happiness in defeat. Reflecting on her remarkable career spanning over six decades, she reminisced about her teenage dreams of becoming an actress while indulging in coffee ice cream and movie magazines in her Brooklyn home.

However, Streisand dedicated much of her speech to fellow actors, acknowledging their contribution to her joy as an audience member. Recalling her admiration for Marlon Brando, whom she described as her “first crush” while watching “Guys and Dolls,” Streisand emphasized the impact of actors’ performances on audiences.

Presented by longtime friend Jennifer Aniston, Streisand’s award was lauded by Hollywood elite, including an enthralled Anne Hathaway. Bradley Cooper, who worked with Streisand in the 2018 remake of “A Star is Born,” paid tribute to her as a “true auteur,” highlighting her multifaceted talents.

The Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA, in selecting Streisand for the honor, recognized her as an embodiment of the finest ideals of the acting profession. Streisand joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Helen Mirren.

Acknowledging Streisand’s unparalleled contribution to the industry, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher praised her as an “icon and unparalleled talent.” Streisand’s illustrious career includes two Academy Awards, ten Grammys, and a Tony Award, as well as acclaimed directorial ventures.

Despite her monumental achievements, Streisand has notably never been nominated for directing, a fact that was humorously addressed by Billy Crystal during the 1992 Oscars. Streisand continues to captivate audiences with her memoir “My Name is Barbra,” a comprehensive reflection on her life and career, further solidifying her legacy in entertainment history.