Robert De Niro is well-known for his harsh criticism of US President Donald Trump, and the veteran actor did not mince words when receiving the honorary Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera.
“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” De Niro told the audience during his victory speech.
“That impacts everyone here because the arts are democratic.
“Art is inclusive. It pulls people together, just like tonight. Art seeks truth. Art embraces diversity. And this is why art poses a threat.
“That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.”
The audience, which included actors Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong seated on stage, applauded.
De Niro went on to mention Mr Trump’s appointment as chair of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as his pronouncement earlier this month of 100% tariffs on “produced in foreign lands” movies.
“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” De Niro told reporters.
“He has reduced funding and support for the arts, humanities, and education, and now he has declared a 100 percent levy on films produced outside the United States.
“Let that sink in for a minute,” he said.
“You can’t put a price on originality, but it appears you can put a tax on it.
“Obviously, this is unacceptable. All of these attacks are unacceptable. And this is not simply an American problem; it is a global one.
“Like a movie, we can’t simply sit back and watch.
“We must act immediately, without violence, but with great passion and determination.
“It’s time for anyone who cares about liberty to organise, to protest and when there are elections, of course to vote.”
The Palme d’Or is the highest accolade given to the director of the Best Feature Film in the official competition at Cannes.
De Niro, 81, was awarded the honorary Palme d’Or in celebration of his distinguished Hollywood career and 50-year engagement with Cannes.
The prize was presented to De Niro by fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio prior to the opening night film Partir Un Jour, a French comedy.
