Robert De Niro critiques President Trump as a ‘philistine’ during Cannes Film Festival speech.

At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, famed actor Leonardo DiCaprio took the stage to honor Robert De Niro, introducing him as an enduring inspiration and presenting him with the honorary Palme d’Or. This accolade, celebrating De Niro’s significant contributions to the cinematic arts, comes nearly five decades since his iconic film “Taxi Driver” clinched the same award in 1976 for its provocative portrayal of a disturbed New York City cab driver.

During the ceremony, De Niro seized the moment to address a pressing issue: the current political climate in the United States. In front of an attentive French audience, he expressed concerns regarding the nation’s leadership, remarking on the ongoing struggle to preserve democratic values that many Americans once took for granted. He emphasized that the fight for democracy is interconnected with the arts, which play a crucial role in fostering free expression.

The actor’s comments were particularly pointed in relation to President Donald Trump’s recent appointment as chair of the Kennedy Center, a cultural institution long regarded for its dedication to the performing arts. De Niro critiqued Trump’s selection of Fox News hosts and political allies for leadership positions within the organization, characterizing these moves as detrimental to America’s cultural landscape. He lamented that the Trump administration appears to pose a serious threat to funding for the arts and education, indicating plans to impose tariffs on foreign films. De Niro stated, “You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it,” highlighting the potential ramifications for artists and cultural institutions.

At 81, De Niro remains a vocal advocate for the arts, urging his fellow filmmakers to resist authoritarian tendencies that could undermine creative expression. He warned that their work often represents a challenge to autocrats and fascists, reinforcing the importance of standing firm in the face of such threats. De Niro’s remarks echo his consistent criticism of Trump, with whom he has had a fraught relationship over the years. The former president has publicly derided De Niro as an actor whose best days are behind him, and the animosity between the two figures is evident.

As Cannes celebrates cinematic achievements, De Niro’s advocacy serves as a reminder of the critical intersections between art, politics, and society, underscoring the enduring need for artistic freedom in challenging times.