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Meryl Streep returned to Cannes for the first time in 35 years to be awarded the Festival’s Honorary Palme d’or on Tuesday.
The Oscar winning actress, 74, follows in the footsteps in the likes of Jeanne Moreau, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Jane Fonda, Agnès Varda, Michael Douglas and Jodie Foster to receive the Festival’s Honorary Palme d’or.
Just 35 years after winning the Best Actress award for Evil Angels, her only appearance in Cannes to date, Meryl made her long-awaited return to the Croisette.
In good company, the award was presented to her by French actress Juliette Binoche.
Speaking on winning the award, she said: ‘I am immeasurably honored to receive the news of this prestigious award.
‘To win a prize at Cannes, for the international community of artists, has always represented the highest achievement in the art of filmmaking.
‘To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honored is humbling and thrilling in equal part.’
Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch and general delegate Thierry Frémaux said: ‘We all have something in us of Meryl Streep.
‘We all have something in us of Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa, The Bridges of Madison County, The Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia.
‘Because she has spanned almost 50 years of cinema and embodied countless masterpieces, Meryl Streep is part of our collective imagination, our shared love of cinema.’
Mr Fremaux is said to have been trying to persuade Meryl to get back to the Croisette for several years now – wanting her to take an honorary role.
Throughout her career Meryl has earned herself 21 Oscar nominations and has one three.
The Cannes red carpet returned as the 77th Film Festival got underway on Tuesday evening.
The festival opened on Tuesday with the Quentin Dupieux’s ‘The Second Act,’ a star-studded French comedy headlined by Léa Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Louis Garrel and Raphaël Quenard.
Meryk looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped out on the star-studded red carpet wearing a white gown.
She looked incredible in the long sleeved number which boasted a wrap front cinching in her waist.
The Mamma Mia star added inches to her frame in a pair of silver heels and carried her belongings in a matching clutch.
Meryl opted for a stylish pair of black framed glasses and accessorised with a pair of eye catching drop earrings.
The Devil Wears Prada actress flashed her gorgeous smile for cameras and waved to fans lining the red carpet.
Earlier in the day, Meryl was the epitome of chic as she attended a photocall ahead of Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony.
The Hollywood star wore a white blazer and matching trousers, teamed with a blue striped shirt.
She elevated her height in silver stilettos, while accessorising with a straw hat and oversized sunglasses.
Meryl appeared in high spirts as she waved to onlookers, ahead of receiving the honorary Palme d’Or award at the opening night of the festival.
In a statement, Meryl shared with THR: ‘I am immeasurably honored to receive the news of this prestigious award. To win a prize at Cannes, for the international community of artists, has always represented the highest achievement in the art of filmmaking.
‘To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honored is humbling and thrilling in equal part. I so look forward to coming to France to thank everyone in person this May!’
The last time she appeared at the festival was back in 1989, when she won the Best Actress award for her work in Fred Schepisi’s Evil Angels a Cry in the Dark.
Preparation for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival is well underway, with Anya Taylor-Joy and her Furiosa co-star Chris Hemsworth ready to make an entrance at the opening ceremony on Tuesday evening.
