Robert De Niro Honored at Cannes, Delivers Strong Message on Arts and Democracy
Legendary actor Robert De Niro received a standing ovation at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where he was awarded the prestigious honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to cinema over the decades.
Now 87, De Niro attended the event alongside his partner Tiffany Chen and daughter Helen Grace. The award was presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, his longtime collaborator, making for a poignant moment in the actor’s celebrated career. De Niro previously served as Jury President at the festival, making this recognition a full-circle milestone.
While accepting the honor, De Niro used the moment to address broader issues facing the arts. Without directly naming individuals, he spoke critically about what he views as political interference in cultural institutions and urged the public to remain engaged in protecting creative freedom.
“In my country, we are fighting hard for the democracy we once took for granted,” he said. De Niro expressed concern over proposed policies that could impact international film exchange and underscored the importance of keeping the arts accessible and independent from political influence.
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