Barbra Receives the Ultimate Career Tribute

December 31, 2008
Career-wise, this past year served as a respite for Barbra. She spent most of 2008 on the campaign trail and on the celebrity tribute circuit. But Barbra received her own tribute by year's end, perhaps her greatest. She was the recipient of a long overdue Kennedy Center Honor.

Though Barbra did not release any new projects in 2008, the year ended on another high note with her announcement a forthcoming new album.

We wish Barbra, and all of our faithful visitors here at Barbratimeless, happiness, good health and economic prosperity in 2009.
 

At the Beverly Wilshire Hotel January 21 We noted the passing of Johnny Grant, honorary "Mayor of Hollywood" and friend to the Streisand fan community. 28 We noted the passing of Dwight Hemion, frequent Streisand television collaborator and director of "My Name Is Barbra." 31 Barbra introduced Senator Hillary Clinton during a campaign event at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. During the appearance, Barbra said, "When I introduced Hillary at the Aids Project LA Gala back in 1994, she had just finished her first year as First Lady. I had acknowledged during that speech the likelihood that someday Hillary Clinton would be sitting in the oval office. Now almost 15 years later, we no longer need to imagine it…that moment is here."

With Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. March 1 Barbra opened up her home on March 1 for an exclusive fundraiser supporting the eco-friendly group, Waterkeeper Alliance. Environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was on hand to lend support.

With Dr. Bairey Merz of Cedars-Sinai (photo: 2010) April 16 Barbra's philanthropic efforts made headlines when she endowed the Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai hospital's women's heart center with a $5 million grant.

At the Bergman tribute May 6 Barbra made a personal appearance to honor her friends and long time musical collaborators, Marilyn and Alan Bergman at their ASCAP tribute in Beverly Hills. 26 We noted the passing of  Sydney Pollack, one of Barbra's greatest directors. Pollack directed Barbra to her greatest dramatic performance (and her second Best Actress nomination) in the film, "The Way We Were." In a statement released by Barbra, she said, "He knew how to tell a love story. He was a great actor's director because he was a great actor. And he was a very good friend, someone I even shared secrets with."

The Warren Beatty video tribute June 12 At the American Film Institute's tribute to Warren Beatty, Barbra sent a video-taped message to honor the occasion. The most memorable moments of the evening came when both Barbra and former Senator George McGovern shared memories of the historic Los Angeles Forum fundraiser back in 1972. Barbra spoke of how life in America might have turned out better had McGovern won the election. She then introduced McGovern to the AFI audience. McGovern, not surprisingly, wholeheartedly agreed with her comments. The AFI tribute was broadcast in July. 22 We noted the passing of George Carlin, who played "Eddie" in "The Prince of Tides."

Mike Berniker at the Streisand fan reunion in 1996 July 25 We noted the passing of Columbia Records producer Mike Berniker, who set the template for Barbra's early recording career. Berniker produced Barbra's first three solo albums and the studio version of the single "People." In 1996, Mike shared his memories of those extraordinary years with many of us who attended the New York fan reunion.

With candidate Obama September 16 In Beverly Hills, Barbra gave her only live performance of the year. The occasion was a fundraiser for Barack Obama on September 16. Following her rendition of "When the Sun Comes Out," Barbra introduced her candidate. Barack Obama thanked Barbra by calling her "one of the greatest singers of our generation." With economic turmoil commanding daily headlines, the lavish event was intentionally kept private. No official media footage from this historic event was released.   19 Barbra charged up her video camera once again to tape a tribute for music producer, David Foster. During her taped message, Barbra thanked Foster for "spending some of your musical life with me." The Streisand tribute was shown to those in attendance during the September event at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay hotel. Viewers at home got their chance to see it during the PBS broadcast in December 26 We noted the passing of Paul Newman. He was a founding partner with Barbra at "First Artists" and like Barbra, a steadfast philanthropist and political activist

With Jim at Dodger Stadium October 13 It was an evening of fun and relaxation as Barbra and James attended a post season baseball game at Dodger Stadium. A sixth inning glimpse of the Brolins enjoying the festivities was broadcast around the country courtesy of Fox Sports. 15 Barbra and James attended the Hollywood premiere of Josh Brolin's new Oliver Stone biopic, "W."

With Diana Krall November 3 Barbra hit the airwaves in a pre-election media blitz. She did a voiceover for a television public service announcement supporting the non-partisan group, Women's Voices, Women Vote. Shortly thereafter, Barbra participated in a series of live radio call-ins, encouraging people to vote, and to support her candidate. During one of her many pre-election day radio call-ins, Barbra announced that she will begin recording a new album before year's end. The project will team Barbra with contemporary jazz songstress Diana Krall.

At the Kennedy Center December 1 We noted the passing of character actor Paul Benedict, who went on location in Africa with Barbra to film one of the most memorable sequences in "Up the Sandbox." 6 Her Academy Awards notwithstanding, perhaps the greatest award Barbra Streisand has ever received was the Kennedy Center Honor. The event took place on December 6 during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, D.C. Politics was put aside momentarily when President George W. Bush welcomed one of his most outspoken critics to the White House in a ceremony honoring the Kennedy Center recipients the following day. In what became known as The Kiss Seen 'Round the World, video footage of Barbra's meeting with the president was broadcast by nearly every national and international media outlet. The irony of her meeting with President Bush was not lost on Barbra. In her blog she wrote, "I guess in some small way, he and I proved that we could agree to disagree, and, for that weekend, art transcended politics." 31 We noted the passing of Brad Sullivan, whoBarbra cast as Henry Wingo in "The Prince of Tides."