Robert De Niro delivered a powerful speech at the opening of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night, criticizing Donald Trump as a “philistine president” and warning of his threat to the arts and democracy.
The two-time Oscar-winning actor was at Cannes to receive an honorary Palme d’Or, presented by his longtime collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio. The tribute turned political as De Niro used his platform to speak out against Trump and global authoritarianism.
‘Art Is a Threat to Autocrats’
“In my country, we’re fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” De Niro said. “That affects all of us because the arts are democratic. Art is inclusive. It brings people together. That’s why art is a threat — and why we are a threat — to autocrats and fascists.”
De Niro condemned Trump’s recent proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign films. “Let that sink in,” he said. “You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it.”
He stressed that the attack on the arts is not just an American issue. “This isn’t just an American problem. It’s a global one. Like a film, we can’t sit back and watch. We must act now. Without violence, but with passion and determination. Organize, protest, vote.”
De Niro concluded by connecting his message to Cannes itself. “Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival,” he said.
DiCaprio Honors De Niro’s Influence
Leonardo DiCaprio, who worked with De Niro on This Boy’s Life and Killers of the Flower Moon, introduced him with a personal story. He recalled his audition for This Boy’s Life, where he tried to stand out by shouting at De Niro.
“Later that day, as the story goes, Bob was getting on his plane when the producer asked him, ‘Who do you want to play the part?’ Bob replied, ‘Second kid from the last.’ Luckily, that second kid was me,” DiCaprio said. “That moment changed my life and started my career.”
DiCaprio praised De Niro for his lifelong commitment to acting, democracy, and the art of filmmaking. “He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it matters. Whether it’s for his friends, his family, or for democracy, he shows up,” DiCaprio said.
De Niro’s History with Cannes and Upcoming Projects
De Niro’s connection to Cannes spans decades. He first attended with Mean Streets in 1973 and returned with films like Once Upon a Time in America (1984), What Just Happened (2008), and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), which received a nine-minute standing ovation. He also served as jury president in 2011.
Reflecting on the festival, De Niro said, “Especially now when there’s so much in the world pulling us apart, Cannes brings us together — storytellers, filmmakers, fans, and friends. It’s like coming home.”
Recently, De Niro starred in Barry Levinson’s crime drama The Alto Nights and played his first major TV role in Netflix’s Zero Day. He will next appear in Brad Furman’s action film Tin Soldier and James Ashcroft’s crime thriller The Whisper Man.
Cannes Continues Through May 24
The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to 24. The event continues to draw global attention, not just for its films, but also for its role as a platform for artists to speak on political and social issues.
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