Cannes 2025: Robert De Niro receives standing ovation, Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio

Robert De Niro receives lifetime achievement award at Cannes Film Festival, delivers powerful speech on art and democracy.

Veteran actor and filmmaker Robert De Niro was honoured with a standing ovation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 13, as he received the honourary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement. The award was presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, De Niro’s longtime collaborator and friend.

The opening ceremony of Cannes 2025 marked a significant moment in cinema history as De Niro, 81, was celebrated for his decades-long contribution to the film industry. Known for his iconic roles in Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, and Awakenings, De Niro took the stage to rapturous applause, delivering a speech that highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and democracy. “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 said.

De Niro used the global platform to issue a sharp critique of U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing recent policies on arts funding and international film taxation. “Our president cut funding to arts and education. Now he’s taxing foreign films 100%. Let that sink in,” he stated, urging the public to “organize, protest, and vote.” He ended his speech with the French national motto: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”

Joining De Niro at the event was his partner, Tiffany Chen. The couple made a joint appearance on the red carpet and at the screening of Partir Un Jour (Leave One Day), wearing coordinated black outfits. Their presence at the festival drew attention, particularly given their previous visit in 2023 shortly after the birth of their daughter.

DiCaprio, who starred with De Niro in Killers of the Flower Moon, praised the actor while presenting the award. The ceremony also featured appearances from jury president Juliette Binoche, Halle Berry, Jeremy Armstrong and more, among other notable figures in the film world. Cannes 2025 runs from May 12 to May 24 and opened with a surprise appearance by Quentin Tarantino.