Hollywood actress Meryl Streep will be returning to the Cannes Film Festival this year after more than three decades to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or on its opening night, the festival committee announced on Thursday.

Streep will be the guest of honour at the inauguration of the 77th Festival de Cannes, set to take place at the Grand Théâtre Lumière on May 14. She last appeared at the festival 35 years ago to receive the best actress award for Evil Angels (1988) and it remains her sole Cannes appearance till date.

“I am immeasurably honoured 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,” said Streep, expressing her gratitude to the festival committee for honouring her with the prestigious award.

“To stand in the shadow of those who have previously been honoured is humbling and thrilling in equal part. I so look forward to coming to France to thank everyone in person this May!” the actress added.

Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch and festival head Thierry Frémaux heaped praise on Streep in a statement. “We all have something in us of Meryl Streep! 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,” their statement reads.

Since her breakthrough role in The Deer Hunter (1978) alongside Robert De Niro, Streep's commitment to her craft garnered her numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards and a record-breaking 21 nominations. Beyond her cinematic achievements, Streep is recognised for her advocacy for social justice and gender equality.