Lifetime Award for a Diva Who Has Done It All

Barbra Streisand, who calls herself the "actress who sings," has won enduring acclaim for her work on the stage, screen and cabarets over her 40-year career. Her debut appearance on Broadway in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" in 1962 won her the New York Drama Critics Award and a Tony nomination. She won an Academy Award for best actress for her first venture into film in 1968, "Funny Girl." Streisand's first album release in 1963, "The Barbra Streisand Album," won the diva two Grammy awards. The 53 albums between her debut and her latest effort, "Timeless － Live in Concert," have made her the top-selling female recording artist in the United States.

Her latest accolade comes in the form of the 29th Life Achievement Award for 2001 from the American Film Institute. The chairman of the institute, Howard Stringer, said Streisand was "a living legend who epitomizes the essence of American film."

"Over her 40-year career," said Stringer, "She has garnered the adulation and respect of the entire creative community, as well as the world at large."

Born April 24, 1942 in New York City, Streisand began her career as a nightclub signer in 1959. After winning a singing contest at a small Manhattan bar, she took every opportunity to get on stage, and soon began attracting the attention of the music industry.

"She is a pioneer in everything she does, whether it's acting, directing, writing, producing or singing," Mr. Stringer said. "Her efforts have blazed a trail for actors and filmmakers of future generations."

Her ability to succeed in both singing and acting － in addition to her forays into directing and producing － have also won her popular acclaim. She won "Favorite All-Around Female Entertainer" at the 1985 People's Choice Awards. She is believed to be the first woman to produce, direct, write, and star in a motion picture － "Yentl," a well-executed 1983 release.

Her other film credits include "Up The Sand Box" (1972), "A Star Is Born" (1976), "The Prince Of Tides" (1991) and "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996). She has produced "City at Peace" (1998), "Frankie & Hazel" (2000), "Varian's War" (2000) and "The Living Century" (2000). She won an Academy Award for a song from "A Star Is Born." "The Prince of Tides" gained seven Academy Award nominations. Streisand will receive the award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Feb. 22.

by Kim Jae-seon