Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d’Or at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious recognition of his lifetime achievements in cinema. The ceremony will take place during the opening night on May 13, 2025, marking 14 years since De Niro presided over the jury in 2011. This honor reflects his enduring legacy and significant contributions to the film industry.
On the following day, May 14, De Niro will engage with festival attendees in a masterclass at the Debussy Theatre, offering insights into his storied career and creative process. "I have such close feelings for Festival de Cannes... especially now when there’s so much in the world pulling us apart, Cannes brings us together — storytellers, filmmakers, fans, and friends. It’s like coming home," De Niro shared in a heartfelt statement regarding the upcoming tribute.
The iconic actor has a long and rich history with the Cannes Film Festival. He last graced the red carpet in 2023 for Martin Scorsese’s film, "Killers of the Flower Moon." His connection to Cannes dates back to 1976 when he starred in two competition films: Bernardo Bertolucci’s "1900" and Martin Scorsese’s "Taxi Driver," the latter of which won the coveted Palme d’Or. De Niro opened the festival in 1983 with Scorsese’s "The King of Comedy" and presented Sergio Leone’s "Once Upon a Time in America" the following year. He returned to the festival in 1986 with Roland Joffé’s "The Mission," which also received the Palme d’Or.
This year’s Cannes Film Festival is set to run from May 13 to May 24, 2025. The festival's jury will be led by French actress Juliette Binoche, who succeeds Greta Gerwig, marking the second consecutive year a woman will preside over the jury. This historic moment echoes the 1966 festival when Sophia Loren followed Olivia de Havilland as jury president.
As the festival approaches, Cannes’ chief Thierry Frémaux revealed that the committee still has 50 films to watch to finalize the Official Selection, which will be partially unveiled on April 10, 2025, in Paris. The lineup is anticipated to feature a strong representation of American filmmakers, including notable names like Jim Jarmusch, Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Kelly Reichardt, Ari Aster, Kristen Stewart, and Wes Anderson.
De Niro’s cinematic journey began with a young Brian De Palma, where he starred in early films such as "Greetings," "The Wedding Party," and "Hi, Mom!" His collaboration with Martin Scorsese began with the 1973 film "Mean Streets," which laid the groundwork for a legendary partnership that would include classics like "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," and "The Irishman." De Niro’s performances often explore themes of violence, identity, and the intricacies of the human condition, making him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, De Niro has portrayed a wide range of characters, from the young Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II" to the troubled protagonist in "Taxi Driver." His dedication to his craft is legendary; he famously obtained a New York cab driver’s license to prepare for his role in "Taxi Driver" and gained 30 kilos for his performance in "Raging Bull," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor.
After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, De Niro founded the TriBeCa Film Festival in 2002 to help revitalize Lower Manhattan and foster community through film. His political engagement has also evolved over the years, as he has become a vocal advocate for social justice and equality.
As he prepares to receive the Honorary Palme d’Or, De Niro's impact on cinema and culture continues to resonate. His ability to embody complex characters and tell compelling stories has solidified his status as a cinematic legend. The upcoming Cannes Film Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of his contributions to the art of filmmaking.
As excitement builds for the festival, fans and filmmakers alike eagerly await the unveiling of this year’s lineup and the opportunity to honor one of cinema’s greatest talents. Robert De Niro’s honorary award will not only acknowledge his past achievements but also inspire future generations of storytellers.
