SAG Awards 2024 – Barbra Streisand's moving speech after winning Lifetime Achievement Award - ‘I didn’t like reality...’

Multi-faceted artist Barbra Streisand was bestowed with the Life Achievement Award at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Actors Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper presented the honour to Barbra Streisand, who recalled her teenage dream of pursuing acting. Her emotional speech received a dual standing ovation from the crowd during the Los Angeles event on February 25.

Barbra Streisand’s moving speech at SAG Awards

Actress, movie director, singer, and producer Barbra Streisand’s diversified career, spanning over six decades, is an inspiration for many. On Sunday, the legendary Hollywood star was bestowed the coveted honour for her craft and humanitarian work at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday (IST Sunday). Dressed up in a golden top and a black jacket with a sequined floral pattern, Streisand looked stunning.

During the speech, the 81-year-old actress reminisced about her teenage years when she dreamt of becoming an actress. She also narrated how she would get excited to watch films in the nearby theatres and how one day she told her mother that she wanted to be an actress. She also mentioned how films help escape reality. Describing the overwhelming moment after watching Guys and Dolls at the Loew’s Kings Theatre, Barbra Streisand reflected on the inspirational moment when she was mesmerized by the performances and decided to follow her passion.

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“That make-believe world was much more pleasant than anything I was experiencing. I didn’t like reality. I wanted to be in the movies, even though I knew I didn’t look like the other women on the screen. Somehow, some way, thank you God, it all came true,” she said.

The Funny Girl star also credited her director, William Wyler, and cinematographer, Harry Stradling Sr., for being way ahead of their time as they never turned down her opinions, which paved a broader path for her creative vision. Barbra’s husband, James Brolin, also attended the ceremony and felt proud during the momentous occasion.

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Barbra Streisand was also lauded for her humanitarian achievements, wherein she supported environmental concerns, women’s health, gun control, and even politics with a robust foundation.

Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper present the honour

The gorgeous and beloved actors Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper presented the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award to Barbara. Both the stars praised the iconic Hollywood legend for her solid career and screen presence. Jennifer Aniston expressed delight over presenting the prestigious honour to the talented star.

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“Barbra did not just pave the way for us women. She bulldozed a clearing for us. Magnificent talent aside, Barbra created the Streisand Foundation, giving tens of millions of dollars in grants to more than 800 organizations supporting women’s health, civil rights, environmental issues, and gun control,” Aniston said while paying tribute to the legend.

In the prestigious award ceremony, several stars bagged coveted titles. SAG awards are available to stream on Netflix.