Lasting Legacy of Barbra Streisand: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Barbra Streisand continue to shape the world today.
Barbra Streisand is a highly accomplished American entertainer with a career spanning over six decades. She's a singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director, recognized for her significant achievements across various entertainment fields. Streisand holds the distinction of being the first artist to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, highlighting her exceptional talent and versatility.
1976: Inducted into Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1976, Streisand was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying her status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.
1984: Awarded Women in Film Crystal Award
In 1984, Streisand was awarded the Women in Film Crystal Award for expanding the role of women within the entertainment industry. She also received Woman of Courage Award by the National Organization for Women (NOW), the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Scopus Award by American Friends of the Hebrew University.
1986: Named one of Hollywood's Most Powerful Women
In 1986, Life magazine named Streisand as one of "Five Hollywood's Most Powerful Women", acknowledging her influence in the entertainment industry.
1991: Received Breakthrough Awards
In 1991, Streisand received Breakthrough Awards for "making films that portray women with serious complexity" at the Women, Men and Media symposium.
1992: Awarded Commitment to Life Award
In 1992, Streisand received the Commitment to Life Award by AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), the Bill of Rights Award by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, the Dorothy Arzner Special Recognition by Women in Film, and the Golden Plate by the Academy of Achievement.
1997: Acknowledged for fashion sense
In 1997, New York magazine acknowledged Streisand's fashion sense saying "she embarked on a surreal, chameleonic, personal fashion quest" that single-handedly began the retro revolution in the 1960s.
1998: Reported as Most Popular Singer Among Adult Americans
In 1998, Harris Poll reported that Streisand is the "Most Popular Singer Among Adult Americans of All Ages."
1999: Named century's best female singer in polls
In 1999, Streisand was named the century's best female singer in a Reuters/Zogby poll, and "Top Female Artist of the Century" by Recording Industry Association of America, solidifying her place in music history.
2000: Presented with National Medal of Arts
In 2000, President Bill Clinton presented Streisand with the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor for achievement in the arts, and Library of Congress Living Legend, she also received the highest honor for a career in film AFI Life Achievement Award from American Film Institute and Liberty and Justice Award from Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
2002: Inducted into Goldmine Hall of Fame
In 2002, Streisand was inducted into the Goldmine Hall of Fame, recognizing her impact on the music industry.
2006: Honored at Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball
In 2006, Streisand was one of the honorees at Oprah Winfrey's white-tie Legends Ball, celebrating her achievements and cultural impact.
2007: Inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame
In 2007, Streisand was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, celebrating her ties to the region and contributions to music.
2007: Received Legion of Honour and Kennedy Center Honors
In 2007, Streisand was presented with Legion of Honour by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Kennedy Center Honors by President George W. Bush, the highest recognition of cultural achievement.
2009: Inducted into Hit Parade Hall of Fame
In 2009, Streisand was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame, acknowledging her success and influence on popular music charts.
2010: "No More Tears" Still Most Successful Duet
As of 2010, the duet "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", originally released in 1979, is reportedly still the most commercially successful duet.
2010: Inducted into National Museum of American Jewish History
In 2010, Streisand was inducted into National Museum of American Jewish History and California Hall of Fame, recognizing her achievements and contributions to Jewish culture and to California.
2010: Critics Noticing Changes in Streisand's Voice
Since about 2010, critics and audiences noted that Barbra Streisand's voice had lowered and acquired an occasionally husky edge.
2011: MusiCares Person of the Year
In 2011, Barbra Streisand was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year by the Grammy Foundation for her artistic achievements in the music industry.
2012: Received Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2012, Streisand received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women Film Critics Circle, honoring her extensive career and contributions to film.
2013: Awarded Honorary Doctorate and Charlie Chaplin Award
In 2013, Streisand was accorded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and received the Charlie Chaplin Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.
2014: Review of Streisand's Voice in "Partners" Album
In 2014, Gil Naveh of Haaretz described Barbra Streisand's voice as "velvety, clear and powerful ... and the passing years have given it a fascinating depth and roughness."
2014: Featured on New York Magazine Cover and Received ASC Award
In 2014, Streisand was on a New York Magazine cover celebrating a century of pop music and received the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Board of Governors Award, as well as the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
November 2015: Announced to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
In November 2015, President Barack Obama announced that Streisand would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States.
2015: Ranked as Top Female Singer-Songwriter
In 2015, The Daily Telegraph recognized Barbra Streisand as one of the top 10 female singer-songwriters of all time, solidifying her legacy as a versatile and influential artist.
December 2016: Funny Girl Added to National Film Registry
In December 2016, the Library of Congress selected "Funny Girl" for preservation in the National Film Registry, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance.
March 2017: "People" Selected for Preservation in the National Recording Registry
In March 2017, Barbra Streisand's song "People" was chosen for preservation in the National Recording Registry. Streisand expressed humility at the song being honored as part of the nation's culture.
2023: Record for Woman with Most Billboard 200 Albums Topped
In 2023, Barbra Streisand lost the record for woman with most US Billboard 200 chart topping albums.
2023: Ranked as one of the Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Streisand at number 147 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, acknowledging her enduring vocal talent and impact on music.
