The star-studded 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday, May 13, in France. However, the opening ceremony marked a remarkable moment as veteran actor, director and producer, Robert De Niro, received the honorary Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement.
The award was presented by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio. Robert De Niro, who is known for his iconic role in The Godfather, received a standing ovation as soon as he arrived on stage. He addressed the audience in his acceptance speech and noted that people are now fiercely fighting for democracy, which they had once taken for granted.
Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio notably skipped the Cannes 2025 red carpet. However, he grabbed the attention while presenting the honorary award to De Niro. The iconic moment, which brought together two of Martin Scorsese's frequent collaborators, occurred 49 years after De Niro won the Palme d'Or.
While inviting De Niro to the stage, DiCaprio complimented him and said, “Every once in a while, even the most private giants deserve their moment. A moment to be acknowledged. Not just for their work, but for the quiet, lasting influence they’ve had on so many lives. On my life.”
He further noted that De Niro has “always been the archetype” to him and so many actors of his generation. DiCaprio announced, “There’s no one more deserving of this Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award than Mr. Robert De Niro.”
However, De Niro responded, “Thanks, kiddo”, to DiCaprio for his praise.
Robert De Niro said in his acceptance speech, “In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. That affects all of us here, because art is the crucible that brings people together, like tonight.”
The two-time Academy Award winner continued, “Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity. That’s why art is a threat. That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and Fascists.”
He added, “America’s Philistine president have had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions [the Kennedy Center]. He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education. And now he has announced a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the U.S. Let that sink in.”
Robert De Niro concluded his speech by saying that this is the time for those who value liberty to organize, protest, and vote in elections. He added that the ongoing festival, celebrating art for the next 11 days, showcased their strength and commitment, and ended with the iconic French phrase "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité".
Robert De Niro's debut films, Bernardo Bertolucci's 1900 and Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, notably won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor has also served as President of the Cannes jury in 2011.
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