At 81 years old, legendary actor and filmmaker Robert De Niro returned to the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival, making a rare public appearance alongside his family. But his presence was marked by more than just a celebration of his storied career—it became a moment of reflection, defiance, and deeply personal resonance.
During the opening ceremony of the 78th Festival de Cannes on May 13, 2025, De Niro was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or, a prestigious lifetime achievement award recognizing his immense contributions to cinema. The award was presented by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, De Niro’s longtime friend and co-star in several acclaimed films. Their onstage reunion evoked both warmth and reverence, marking 14 years since De Niro last played a central role at Cannes, serving as jury president in 2011.
In his acceptance speech, De Niro turned from gratitude to gravity, addressing not just his cinematic journey but the political turmoil gripping his homeland. He issued a pointed critique of U.S. political dynamics, specifically naming former President Donald Trump, whose influence he described as emblematic of troubling trends in American democracy.
Against the backdrop of a world fraught with conflict, De Niro spoke of Cannes as a kind of cinematic sanctuary—“a home” for artists and storytellers seeking truth, expression, and unity. It was a poignant reminder that even in celebration, art does not exist in a vacuum—and neither do those who create it.
Robert De Niro opened his speech with a striking declaration: “In my country, we are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted.” His tone was impassioned, his words pointed. He continued, “That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic.”
De Niro used the moment to draw a powerful connection between the values of democracy and artistic freedom. “That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists,” he said, emphasizing how creative expression and open societies are inherently intertwined—and why, in his view, both are under siege.
Turning his attention to current political developments in the United States, De Niro criticized recent actions by the 47th U.S. President. Without naming him directly, he said, “America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” referencing the controversial self-appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
He didn’t stop there. The actor and filmmaker also denounced new trade policies, particularly the administration’s announcement of a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the United States. “He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education,” De Niro warned. “And now he has announced a 100 per cent tariff on films that are produced outside the U.S.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words linger. “Let that sink in for a minute,” he told the audience, the silence that followed amplifying his point.
Calling the situation “unacceptable,” De Niro urged the global community to see beyond borders. “This isn’t just an American problem,” he said. “It’s a global one. All these attacks on the arts, on education, on truth—they threaten the fabric of free societies everywhere.”
He concluded this part of his speech with a passionate call to action. “Like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act—and we have to act now. Without violence, but with great passion and determination. It’s time for anyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and, when there are elections, to vote.”
As expected, De Niro’s bold remarks sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. On TikTok, many users responded with admiration and support. One viewer wrote, “Who hurt him?” while another countered, “A man with courage.” A third simply commented, “Words are powerful when spoken with conviction.”
Over on Facebook, the responses were more polarized. One user praised the speech, writing, “Very well said. Powerful speech.” Others were far less receptive. “Shame on him,” read one comment. Another criticized the actor harshly, stating, “This guy is insane. Out of touch completely.” Others echoed that sentiment, with one calling his remarks “so disrespectful,” while another dismissed him as “a joke.”
Still, supporters continued to defend his message. “Very well spoken by Mr. De Niro. We need to take this seriously and fight back,” one post read, highlighting the growing divide not just in politics, but in public opinion surrounding the role of artists who speak out.
Below is a video of Robert De Niro’s entire speech.
Tiffany Chen, the actor’s 45-year-old girlfriend, walked with him on the red carpet. Helen Grace, his daughter, attended the function as well. These are their finest images