At the Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro grabbed headlines — not just for picking up the honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement, but for throwing some serious shade at Donald Trump.
The famous actor didn’t hold back during his speech, taking a sharp jab at Trump and his politics.
Stepped out with his 45-year-old girlfriend
Calling Robert De Niro one of the greatest actors of all time isn’t just hype — it’s a fact.
At 87, the legendary actor, director, and producer was honoured on May 13, 2025, with a prestigious honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the opening ceremony of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But De Niro didn’t just accept the award quietly — he used the spotlight to deliver a message that left the audience stunned.
The Deer Hunter icon turned heads on the red carpet, arriving with his 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. Also in attendance was his daughter, Helen Grace, who joined the couple for the milestone event.
The award was presented by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio — a full-circle moment, since De Niro had served as Jury President at the very same festival 14 years earlier, in 2011.
During his acceptance speech, things really heated up. Known for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump, Robert De Niro didn’t hold back as he spoke about the political climate back home.
”America’s philistine president..”
He began with raw honesty: “In my country, we’re battling tooth and nail for a democracy we once took as a given.” He added, “This struggle touches us all, because the arts are the heartbeat of democracy.”
Shifting his gaze toward the current U.S. leadership, De Niro didn’t hold back in his critique of President Trump’s recent actions.
“Our country’s philistine president has crowned himself the head of one of our most cherished cultural bastions,” he remarked, alluding to Trump’s controversial appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
”We can’t just all sit back and watch”
The Goodfellas icon didn’t hold back, vehemently denouncing Trump’s recent tariff declaration: “He’s slashed funding and backing for the arts, humanities, and education — and now he’s slapped a 100 percent tariff on films made outside the United States.” Pausing to let the gravity of the statement resonate, he urged the crowd, “Let that sink in for a moment.”
De Niro characterized the entire scenario as utterly intolerable, emphasizing its far-reaching consequences.
“These assaults are unacceptable,” he asserted. “And this isn’t merely an American dilemma — it’s a global crisis.”
Concluding with an impassioned plea, he rallied listeners: “Like a movie, we can’t just be passive spectators. Action is imperative, and it must be peaceful yet driven by fierce passion and resolve. It’s time for everyone who values freedom to mobilize, protest, and, above all, exercise their right to vote when elections come.”
Mixed reactions
The speech ignited a whirlwind of reactions across social media. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, responses swung wildly between admiration and doubt. Some viewers mused, “Who hurt him?” while others hailed him as “A man of courage.” One commenter remarked, “Powerful, passionate, yet composed. He’s right — it’s a rallying cry to defend education and the arts, the very things that terrify Trump and his global allies.”
“An authentic American, genuinely concerned for both this nation and the entire world we inhabit!” another user proclaimed.
Facebook reflected a similar divide. Praises flowed: “Exceptionally articulated. A powerful address.” Yet, harsh criticism wasn’t far behind: “Shame on him,” or “He’s completely unhinged.” Supporters countered with calls to action, “Mr. DeNiro spoke with conviction. We must take this seriously and resist,” whereas detractors dismissed him as “a joke.”
What’s your take on De Niro’s incendiary remarks? Was it a courageous stand or did he cross the line? Share your thoughts below.