At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival's grand opening on Tuesday night, legendary actor and director Robert De Niro received one of the industry's highest accolades: the Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement. The award, which was given by De Niro's long-time friend and collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio, honoured the 81-year-old's enormous contribution to world cinema.
DiCaprio introduced De Niro as the “archetype” of modern acting, before handing over the coveted prize. “Thanks, kiddo,” De Niro responded with his trademark dry wit, earning a warm laugh from the audience before launching into a politically charged acceptance speech that quickly made headlines.
De Niro, who received a standing ovation, took the opportunity to express his strong disapproval of former US President Donald Trump in addition to reflecting on his career. “In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic,” he said, highlighting the broader cultural significance of the arts in a democratic society.
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De Niro concluded his rousing remarks with a call to action: “Let that sink in,” urging citizens to “organise, protest and vote,” before signing off with France’s emblematic motto: “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.”
DiCaprio, Quentin Tarantino, Mylène Farmer, and Juliette Binoche (who was the jury president) all made appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, which kicked off with a bang on May 13. De Niro set a strong tone for the festival, which runs through May 24, with this audacious speech and unforgettable tribute.
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