
Legendary actor and director Robert De Niro made a rare public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival with his family, bringing him back to the limelight at the age of 81. But more than just a celebration of his legendary career characterized his presence; it also served as a time for introspection, rebellion, and profoundly personal resonance.
On May 13, 2025, during the 78th Festival of Cannes opening ceremony, of Niro received an honorary Palme d’Or, a distinguished lifetime achievement award that acknowledged his enormous achievements to the film industry. Leonardo DiCaprio, De Niro’s close friend and co-star in a number of critically acclaimed films, presented the prize. Since De Niro hadn’t performed at a centera for 14 years, their onstage reunion was met with both reverence and warmth.
De Niro addressed both his cinematic career and the political unrest engulfing his country in his acceptance speech, shifting his focus from thankfulness to somberness. Specifically citing former President Donald Trump, whose influence he saw as representative of dangerous developments in American democracy, he delivered a scathing indictment of U.S. political dynamics.
De Niro described Cannes as a sort of cinematic sanctuary—”a home” for artists and storytellers seeking truth, expression, and unity in the midst of a world rife with strife. It served as a moving reminder that, despite festivities, art and its creators are not isolated entities.
“In my country, we are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted,” Robert De Niro said in a startling opening statement. His comments were sharp and his tone passionate. “That impacts everyone here because the arts are democratic,” he added.
De Niro took use of the occasion to make a strong argument on the principles of artistic freedom and democracy. He emphasized how open societies and artistic expression are intrinsically linked, and why, in his opinion, both are under attack, saying, “That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.”
After focusing on current American politics, De Niro chastised the 47th President of the United States for recent activities. He made reference to the contentious self-appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts when he stated, without specifically naming him, that “America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions.”
He continued after that. The actor and director also criticized recent trade measures, specifically the administration’s declaration that movies made outside of the US will be subject to a 100 percent tariff. De Niro said, “He has reduced funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education.” “He has now declared a 100 percent tariff on films made outside of the United States.”
He hesitated, allowing his words to sink in. He said to the crowd, “Give it a minute to sink in,” and the ensuing stillness emphasized his argument.
De Niro called the state of affairs “unacceptable” and encouraged the international community to look beyond national boundaries. “This issue is not limited to the United States,” he stated. It’s a worldwide issue. All of these assaults on truth, education, and the arts endanger the foundation of free society everywhere.
He made a strong appeal to action as he wrapped up this section of his address. We can’t just sit back and watch it like a movie. We must take action, and we must take it now. With a great deal of passion and resolve, but without violence. Anyone who is concerned about liberty should organize now.
De Niro’s audacious comments caused a stir on social media, as was to be expected. Numerous users expressed support and admiration in their responses on TikTok. “Who hurt him?” one viewer remarked, while another responded, “A man with courage.” “Words are powerful when spoken with conviction,” said a third.
The reactions were more divided on Facebook. One user wrote, “Very well said,” in support of the speech. strong speech. Some were much less responsive. One comment read, “Shame on him.” The actor received strong criticism from another, who said, “This guy is insane.” Completely out of touch Other people agreed, describing his comments as “so disrespectful” and dismissing him as “a joke.”
A video of Robert De Niro’s full remarks may be found below.
The actor’s 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, accompanied him on the red carpet. His daughter, Helen Grace, also went to the event. These are their best pictures.