Veteran actor Robert De Niro made a rare public appearance alongside his family as he returned to the spotlight at the 78th Festival de Cannes on May 13, 2025. The celebrated American actor, filmmaker, and producer was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to cinema.
The award ceremony marked a special moment, as fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his role in Titanic, presented the prestigious honor to De Niro. This year’s ceremony also marked 14 years since De Niro last played a central role at Cannes, when he served as jury president in 2011.
In his acceptance speech, De Niro reflected on the significance of the Cannes Film Festival throughout his career, describing it as a place that has long felt like “home.” He shared thoughts on the importance of the arts in uniting people and expressed admiration for the global reach of storytelling through film.
Audience reactions to his speech were varied, with social media users sharing supportive and emotional responses to the moment. Comments online described his presence as inspiring, with one user noting, “Words are powerful when spoken with conviction,” while another called the moment “a proud tribute to a lifetime of creativity.”
De Niro’s recognition at Cannes stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and influence in the world of cinema.