Stage and screen star Streep is the recipient of eight Golden Globes and 29 nominations.

Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), said in a statement, ”It’s no surprise that the HFPA has chosen Meryl Streep as the recipient of the 2017 Cecil B. DeMille Award. Meryl’s enthralling body of work across a diverse set of genres has made her a role model over the past 40 years, and she will continue to do so for generations to come. She has always taken roles with strong female leads, creating art by showing vulnerability and portraying truth on the big screen. Simply put, she is a trailblazer, having paved the way for women in television, film and stage. For shattering gender and age barriers, all with finesse and grace, the HFPA is humbled to bestow this honor upon her.”

Chosen by the HFPA Board of Directors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award is given annually to “a talented individual for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” Recent recipients include Denzel Washington (2016), George Clooney (2015), Woody Allen (2014), Jodie Foster (2013), Morgan Freeman (2012), Robert De Niro (2011), Martin Scorsese (2010), Steven Spielberg (2009), Warren Beatty (2007), Anthony Hopkins (2006), Robin Williams (2005), Michael Douglas (2004), Gene Hackman (2003), Harrison Ford (2002), Al Pacino (2001), and Barbra Streisand (2000).

Streep, an Oscar winner for her performances in Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie's Choice, and The Iron Lady, has been seen on Broadway in Trelawny of “The Wells,” A Memory of Two Mondays/27 Wagons Full of Cotton, Secret Service, The Cherry Orchard, and Happy End.