Streep, 74, is a highly respected Hollywood actress who has won 21 Oscar nominations and three statuettes.
Her career spans the entire gamut of modern classics, from dramas like The Deer Hunter (The Deer Hunter), “My Africa” (Out of Africa) and Kramer v. Kramer (Kramer vs. Kramer) to movies like And the Devil Wears Prada (The Devil Wears Prada) and “Mamma Mia!”.
“I am extremely honored to receive the news of this prestigious award. Winning a prize at Cannes has always meant the highest achievement in the art of cinema for the international artistic community,” the actress said in a statement.
“Standing in the shadow of previous honorees is humbling and exciting,” she emphasized.
Ms Streep will join a host of Hollywood veterans at this year’s festival in France, including Star Wars (Star Wars) creator George Lucas, who will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the closing ceremony.
“As Meryl Streep has worked in cinema for almost 50 years and embodied countless masterpieces, she is part of our shared imagination, our shared love of cinema,” the festival organizers said in a statement.
The Palme d’Or honor will also go to legendary Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, the first time it will be awarded to a group rather than an individual.
The 77th festival, considered the most prestigious in the film industry, will take place on the French Riviera from May 14 to 25.
This year’s jury is headed by the film “Barbie” (Barbie) directed by Greta Gerwig.
