A Moment of Grace: When Barbra Streisand Prioritized Healing Over Honors
In the wake of the September 11th attacks, the entertainment world, like the rest of the nation, grappled with how to respond to unimaginable loss. The 53rd Primetime Emmy Awards, originally scheduled for September 16, 2001, became a focal point for this national reckoning. Amidst the rescheduling and heightened security, a quiet act of grace unfolded involving music icon Barbra Streisand. Streisand had been nominated for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her 2000 special, Barbra Streisand: Timeless, a concert filmed live at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. But when the awards ceremony finally took place on November 4th, Streisand made a deliberate choice: to forgo the personal triumph of accepting her Emmy in order to deliver a performance intended to offer solace to a grieving nation. This act, largely overshadowed by the historical context of the evening, speaks volumes about Streisand’s artistry and her understanding of the moment’s profound significance.
Barbra Streisand: Timeless, initially broadcast on Fox, showcased the singer at the height of her powers. The special, taped over New Year’s Eve 1999 and New Year’s Day 2000, was praised for Streisand’s vocal performance and engaging stage presence. Her Emmy nomination placed her in esteemed company, competing against Steve Martin for hosting the 73rd Academy Awards, David Letterman for his work on Late Show with David Letterman, Will Ferrell for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, Ellen DeGeneres, who also hosted that year’s Emmy Awards, and Wayne Brady for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway?. The competition was fierce, but the events of 9/11 fundamentally altered the landscape of the awards show, shifting the focus from individual achievement to collective mourning, and resilience.
The Emmys Rescheduled and Reimagined
The attacks of September 11, 2001, irrevocably changed the course of American life, and the Emmys were no exception. The original broadcast date of September 16th was quickly deemed inappropriate. The ceremony was first postponed to October 7th, but as the nation continued to grapple with the aftermath and the beginning of the War in Afghanistan, a second postponement was necessary, ultimately landing on November 4th. The venue itself was changed, moving from the grand Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles to the smaller Shubert Theater in Century City. Security measures were dramatically increased, reflecting the heightened state of alert. According to reports, sharpshooters were positioned on rooftops, attendees were subjected to metal detector screenings, nearby businesses were temporarily closed, and even the lower levels of the Shubert Theater’s parking garage were blocked off due to security concerns.
The atmosphere at the November 4th ceremony was understandably somber. Will & Grace stars Eric McCormack and Debra Messing presented the award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Messing announced Streisand as the winner, stating, “Barbra Streisand was unable to attend this evening. We congratulate her on this honor.” However, Streisand *was* in attendance, a detail often overlooked in retellings of the story. She had made a conscious decision not to accept the award on stage, recognizing that a traditional acceptance speech would detract from the impact of her planned performance.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”: A Performance for a Nation in Grief
Streisand’s decision was a testament to her sensitivity and artistic judgment. Instead of claiming her Emmy in the spotlight, she chose to close the show with a deeply moving rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The performance was specifically designed to offer comfort and hope to a nation reeling from tragedy. Backed by a gospel choir, Streisand delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant performance. The staging was particularly poignant, featuring the names of some of those who perished in the September 11th attacks displayed prominently. A simple, yet powerful sign read, “Our hearts are broken. Our spirit is not.” This message encapsulated the spirit of the performance and resonated deeply with the audience, eliciting a standing ovation.
Gary Smith, the executive producer of the 2001 Emmy telecast, had a long-standing professional relationship with Streisand, having previously collaborated on projects such as The Judy Garland Show (1963) and Singer Presents Burt Bacharach (1971), where Streisand famously recorded a duet with herself on “One Less Bell to Answer”/“A House Is Not a Home.” He also executive produced the AFI Life Achievement Award special honoring Streisand in May 2001. Smith passed away in August 2025 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of impactful television productions.
A Legacy of Recognition
Barbra Streisand: Timeless ultimately received four Primetime Emmy Awards, including one for Marvin Hamlisch for Outstanding Music Direction. This win marked Streisand’s fifth Emmy Award for a special, following previous victories for My Name Is Barbra (1965), Barbra Streisand: A Happening in Central Park, Barbra Streisand…And Other Musical Instruments (1974), and Barbra Streisand: The Concert (1995). The success of the special also extended to the music charts; the accompanying live album, Timeless: Live in Concert, released on September 19, 2000, peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for 17 weeks, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Streisand’s artistry.
The story of Streisand’s decision to prioritize a performance of healing over a moment of personal recognition is a powerful reminder of the role art can play in times of national crisis. It’s a testament to her understanding of the cultural moment and her willingness to use her platform to offer comfort and hope. The 2001 Emmy Awards, forever marked by the shadow of 9/11, became a stage not just for celebrating television excellence, but for a collective act of remembrance and resilience.
As Barbra Streisand continues to be a cultural icon, her legacy extends beyond her numerous awards and chart-topping albums. It resides in moments like this, where her artistry transcended personal achievement to offer a beacon of hope during a time of profound national grief. The impact of her performance continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the power of music to heal and unite.
Looking ahead, Streisand remains a vital force in the entertainment industry, and fans eagerly anticipate her future projects. For those interested in learning more about her career and contributions, the official Barbra Streisand website (https://www.barbrastreisand.com/) provides a comprehensive overview of her work. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and memories of this remarkable performance in the comments below.