Actor Anne Hathaway had an emotional reaction to seeing Barbra Streisand receiving a Life Achievement award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and it warmed the hearts of social media users.
At Saturday night's ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, fellow actors Jennifer Anniston and Bradley Cooper presented Streisand with the award, which annually recognizes artists embodying the “finest ideals of the acting profession.
Hathaway was among the first of her industry peers to bolt up out of her seat with a standing ovation with tears in her eyes.
The internet was moved by Hathaway's emotional response.
Here is a video clip of The Devil Wears Prada actor getting choked up at watching the living legend accept her award.
Streisand has been a SAG member for over 60 years.
She has had a range of successes as a singer, songwriter, actor, director and producer and is among the few who is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
The fact that Hathaway is an Oscar winner herself, with a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her singing role as Fantine in the Les Misérables film adaptation, was not lost on fans.
The adoration of the two women continued.
Hathaway wasn't the only one in the audience celebrating Streisand's monumental achievement.
Past recipients of the SAG Life Achievement Award include Sally Field, Helen Mirren, Robert De Niro, Alan Alda, Morgan Freeman, Lily Tomlin, and Carol Burnett.
Following the announcement of Streisand being honored with the award, SAG/AFTRA President Fran Drescher said:
“Barbra Streisand is an icon and unparalleled talent, a force of nature who has seamlessly woven her brilliance through the fabric of our industry."
"From her earliest days captivating audiences on Broadway to her unforgettable roles in cinematic classics like ‘Funny Girl,’ ‘The Way We Were’ and ‘A Star Is Born,’ Barbra’s ability to inhabit her characters with authenticity is nothing short of extraordinary."
Drescher continued:
“Her enduring career is a testament to her genuine performances, connecting with audiences on a profound level."
"She is a colossal icon with a relentless work ethic, evolving with each stage of her remarkable journey."
"We celebrate Barbra Streisand not just for her achievements but for the enduring legacy she has carved.”
Upon receiving the award, Babs gave a powerful speech that touched on the origins of Hollywood and how it stemmed from escaping prejudice.
“It’s really a privilege to be part of this profession," said Streisand.
"For a couple of hours, people can sit in a theater and escape their own troubles. What an idea, moving pictures on a screen, and I can’t help but think back to the people who built this industry."
"Ironically, they were also escaping their own troubles.”
She referenced Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer, and the Warner brothers and said of them:
“They were all escaping the prejudice they faced in Eastern Europe, simply because of their religion."
"And they were dreamers too, like all of us here tonight. And now I dream of a world where such prejudice is a thing of the past.”
