The actress and singer Barbra Streisand 81 years old, was honored at the 2024 SAG Awards with the “Life Achievement Award“, an award that values the professional and humanitarian achievements of an artist throughout his life.
During her speech at the awards, which took place on Saturday night (24), Barbra recalled her love for films and said that cinema was her education. The actress's speeches brought several celebrities present at the awards to tears, such as Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and Joey King, and represented one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Barbra received the award from Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper. At the beginning of her speech, the artist joked: “This is a wonderful prize to win because you know in advance that you are going to win and you don't have to sit and squirm wondering if you are going to win or not”, while holding cards with her speech ready, drawing laughter from the audience.
The only acceptable reaction to Barbra Streisand. #SAGAwards pic.twitter.com/lf2ndqq5SN
— Netflix (@netflix) February 25, 2024
Then he continued: “Thank you, SAG-AFTRA. I am very proud to have been a member for over 60 years. I do not believe that”.
During her speech, Barbra said that, as a teenager, she dreamed of being an actress and went to cinemas in Brooklyn, New York, to watch foreign films in black and white. At that moment, the actress revealed that her first crush was the actor Marlon Brando, who died in 2004.
“That make-believe world was much more enjoyable than anything I was experiencing. I didn’t like the reality,” said Streisand. “I wanted to be in movies, even though I knew I didn't look like any of the other women on screen. My mom said, 'You'd better learn to type,' but I didn't listen. And somehow, some way — thank you, God — it all came true.”
Barbra also took the moment to thank “Funny Girl” director William Wyler and cinematographer Harry Stradling. “These two men were extraordinary and had no problem with a young woman who had opinions. I was able to suggest ideas for a scene and test various lighting effects with Harry and they never stopped me,” she recalls. “They were way ahead of their time and that was fantastic,” she adds.
The actress also says that she never attended college. “Acting was my education,” she says. “The whole process was fascinating to me (…) It is truly a privilege to be part of this profession. For a few hours, people consider theater a way to escape their own problems. What an idea! Moving images on a screen. And I can't help but think about the people who built this industry. Ironically, they were also running away from their own problems.”
At that point, the star cited Jewish pioneers in the film industry who changed their names to avoid discrimination, such as Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer and Warner Brothers.
“They were all fleeing the prejudice they faced in Eastern Europe, simply because of their religion. And they dreamed of liking us all here tonight. And now I dream of a world where such prejudice is a thing of the past,” said Streisand, to applause afterwards.
The artist also talked about how films can move people and “establish a deep connection with someone simply by telling the truth”. “It reminded me once again how much I love film and why we all strive to make the best films we can,” she said.
“So many people who did this are sitting here tonight in this room. So once again, I would like to thank SAG-AFTRA for this fabulous honor and say to my fellow actors and directors, I loved working with you, playing with you and inhabiting that magical world of cinema with you,” he continued.
To end her speech, Barbra gave another thank you: “And above all, I want to thank you for giving me so much joy just seeing you all on screen. Thank you for this,” she finished.
Check out the full speech (in English):
See artists on the awards red carpet
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
