At the Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro drew headlines not only for receiving the honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement but for making a bold political statement that reverberated far beyond the red carpet.

The legendary actor, director, and producer, now 87, was honored during the opening ceremony of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025. But his moment in the spotlight wasn’t limited to the award itself—De Niro used his acceptance speech to take aim at former President Donald Trump in a pointed and passionate address.

Arriving at the Palais des Festivals, De Niro was joined by his 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, and his daughter, Helen Grace. The family made a striking appearance, and the milestone moment was made even more significant by the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio presented him with the award. It was a full-circle moment, as De Niro had served as Jury President at the same festival back in 2011.

The speech that followed was anything but predictable.