Barbra Streisand left admirers worried after being forced to miss the Cannes Film Festival despite being named as a guest of honour. The 84-year-old screen and singing legend had been due to travel to France to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the closing ceremony, but was compelled to pull out due to health complications. Her doctors advised her to remain at home in the United States and avoid travel, with the much-loved actress sending her sincerest apologies.

She also offered some reassurance, explaining that her knee injury was too painful to make the journey. The A Star Is Born star released a statement saying: "On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year. But I am deeply honoured to receive the honorary Palme d'Or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition."

Beloved Barbra, who holds star billing at this year's Cannes festival, is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists and most influential entertainers of her generation, having made her name in iconic films such as Funny Girl, The Way We Were and the 1970 smash hit What's Up, Doc?

The star went on to extend her apologies further: "I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire - and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved.

"While I regret that I can't be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year.

"My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema."

Cannes will continue to honour the star at its closing ceremony on Saturday, May 23, with a statement from the event reading: "Iris Knobloch, Thierry Frémaux and the entire festival team send Barbra Streisand their warmest wishes for a prompt recovery."

Barbra is among three recipients of a Cannes honorary Palme d'Or this year, joining Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and John Travolta, who received his following the premiere of his directorial debut Propeller One-Way Night Coach last week.

Visibly moved by the accolade, an emotional John declared, "This is beyond the Oscar. can't believe this. This is the last thing I expected."

The winner of the coveted Palme d'Or for best film will also be announced at Cannes on May 23.