Meryl Streep and Nora Ephron were recently presented with honorary diplomas from the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, France. Streep was honored for her outstanding interpretation of the legendary Julia Child and Nora Ephron for the film adaptation of the book Julie & Julia. The ceremony took place at the United States Embassy in Paris during an advance screening of the film hosted by US Ambassador Charles Rivkin; newly appointed to France by President Obama. Mr Andre Cointreau, president of Le Cordon Bleu International presented Ms. Ephron and Ms. Streep with the distinctions.  Visit Le Cordon Bleu at at www.cordonbleu.edu/julieandjulia for inspiring recipes and the latest Le Cordon Bleu events and classes worldwide.

Welcome to the latest version of Simply Streep! I wasn’t all too content with the previous layout in celebration of the site’s 10th anniversary and Meryl’s 60th birthday, so I worked behind the scenes to give the site a new – still classic, yet better look! I hope you all like it! The Biography section is back (with many thanks to Pam for her help!) and there’s an open-call at the Fan Art section to contribute your creations for its coming opening. The Image Library and Video Archive will be converted to the new layout in the coming days as well. Feel free to comment on the new look and enjoy your stay!

Many thanks to Tina for contributing this stunning article from the latest French Elle Magazine. Enjoy!

On September 12, 2009, Meryl was interviewed by Emma Bunton on her Heart Radio programme “The Saturday Show”. With thanks to Kayleigh, you can listen to the interview below!

The New York Philharmonic held their opening night gala concert yesterday and actors Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin, as well as singer Billy Joel, were among the many guests to attend. Pictures can be found in the Image Library.

According to the New York Times, Meryl Streep will reprise the role of Mother Courage in a one-night benefit performance of “Courage in Concert” at the Public Theater on Oct. 19. On Wednesday, the Public said in a news release that Ms. Streep, who played the title role in its 2006 Shakespeare in the Park production of Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” would be rejoined by her costars from that production, including Kevin Kline, Jenifer Lewis, Austin Pendleton and Frederick Weller. The concert, which is a benefit for the American Jewish World Service and Partners in Health, will feature songs from “Mother Courage and Her Children” (translated by Tony Kushner with music by Jeanine Tesori) as well as appearances from the cast of the Broadway “Hair” revival and other special guests. The Public’s 2006 production was directed by George C. Wolfe. Tickets for the benefit will go on sale Thursday. Thanks to everybody for the heads-up!

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will bask in the glamour of Hollywood on Wednesday, October 7, in an evening with two-time Academy Award® winning actress Meryl Streep. During this special event, titled An Evening with Meryl Streep, sponsored by Infiniti, Ms. Streep will engage in an onstage conversation with Globe and Mail journalist Johanna Schneller. Drawing on her own experiences as a celebrated actress, Ms. Streep will discuss aspects of her working life. Tickets to An Evening with Meryl Streep will be available for purchase online at www.rom.on.ca/streep from Saturday, September 12. General admission tickets cost $50.00, or $45.00 for ROM Members, and are expected to sell out quickly.

In the past days there have been lots of new interviews with Meryl and Stanley Tucci on their European tour to promote “Julie & Julia”. Clips of various French and Spanish tv programmes were uploaded, as well as the previously announced interviews on GMTV and This Morning, yesterday. A complete list can be found below the previews. Enjoy!

Video Archive > News Segments > 2009 > This Morning (September 11, 2009)
Video Archive > News Segments > 2009 > GMTV (September 11, 2009)
Video Archive > News Segments > 2009 > Telecinco (September 09, 2009)
Video Archive > News Segments > 2009 > Sé Lo Che Hicisteis (September 09, 2009)
Video Archive > News Segments > 2009 > France 24 (September 06, 2009)
Video Archive > Miscellaneous > Le Grand Journal Interview Session (September 04, 2009)
Video Archive > Making Ofs > The Making of “Julie & Julia”

Added a couple more pictures from the Deauville Film Festival, including a stunning photoshoot that was made before the film’s gala premiere. Also added pictures of Meryl taping an appearance on the French talkshow “Vivement Dimanche”, which is going to air this Sunday (see the Calendar for more information). Thanks as always to everybody for the heads-up!

While we’re still waiting for the Image Library and Video Archive to return, here are three new appearances on UK television you can look forward to. Tonight, “Film 2009 with Jonathan Ross” will be reporting on “Julie & Julia” – and on Friday, both GMTV (earlier reported to be broadcast on Monday) and This Morning will feature interviews with Meryl as well on their programme. Thanks to everybody for the heads-up!