At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro delivered a passionate speech upon receiving the honorary Palme d’Or, sharply criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump. De Niro denounced Trump as a “philistine,” highlighting his administration’s severe cuts to arts and education funding, and the imposition of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. The actor emphasized that art fosters unity, truth, and diversity, making it a target for autocrats and fascists. He called for global action to defend democracy and the creative industries.
Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award to De Niro, expressing gratitude for De Niro’s role in launching his career through collaborations with director Martin Scorsese. The event underscored the Cannes Film Festival’s role as a platform for political discourse within the global film community.