Robert De Niro goes after Trump while accepting Cannes honour

Robert De Niro was bestowed an honourary Palme d’Or during the 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival, currently underway.

As frequent co-star and friend, Leonardo DiCaprio presented the lifetime achievement prize to the celebrated actor, he acknowledged his colleague and went on to champion democracy in a fiery tirade against US President Donald Trump.

“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,” he spoke during his acceptance speech.

Proceeding to denounce fascism in clear terms, he added, “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.”

The Taxi Driver star  further branded Trump as “America’s Philistine president” and continued to defend cinema against the leader’s policies.

“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 US. Let that sink in,” he said.

After calling the perceived attack on cinema and art by Trump as “unacceptable”, the acting veteran concluded, “It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and when there are elections, vote. Vote. Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”

Robert De Niro was honoured at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, May 13, in a packed Grand Lumiére theater, where many of the industry’s leading figures gathered to witness the Hollywood legend’s big night.