“It’s like coming home”: Robert De Niro to receive honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes for lifetime achievements in film
Renowned American actor, director and producer Robert De Niro will be honoured with an honorary Palme d’Or for his lifetime achievements in film at the 78th Festival de Cannes. The award will be presented during the festival’s opening ceremony on 13th May 2025, in Cannes, France. This accolade comes 14 years after De Niro served as the President of the Jury at the festival in 2011.
De Niro’s contribution to cinema spans several decades, marked by iconic roles that have left a lasting impact on the industry. His career began with early films directed by Brian De Palma, such as The Wedding Party, Greetings and Hi, Mom!, which helped shape both De Palma’s directorial style and De Niro’s on-screen persona. His breakthrough came with his role in Mean Streets (1973), directed by Martin Scorsese, which began a legendary partnership that would produce some of the most memorable films in American cinema.
Perhaps one of De Niro’s most celebrated roles was that of the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974), a performance that earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His ability to portray complex characters without mimicking the original actor, Marlon Brando, in this case, was particularly noted.
De Niro’s versatility as an actor was further demonstrated in the mid-70s when he starred in 1900 and Taxi Driver, the latter of which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1976. His method acting, including obtaining a real taxi driver’s license and the iconic improvised mirror scene, showcased his dedication to his roles.
His collaborations with Scorsese continued to define his career, with films like Raging Bull, for which De Niro won an Oscar for Best Actor after undergoing extensive physical transformation, and Goodfellas. Beyond acting, De Niro also ventured into directing and producing, founding TriBeCa Productions in 1989, and directing films such as A Bronx Tale and The Good Shepherd.
In addition to his film work, De Niro has been active in other areas, including founding the TriBeCa Film Festival in 2002 to help revitalise Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. His political activism and commitment to addressing societal issues through film have also been significant aspects of his career.
Reflecting on his honorary award, De Niro expressed his deep connection to the Festival de Cannes: “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.”
Following the award ceremony, De Niro will participate in a masterclass on 14th May at the Debussy Theatre, where he will share insights from his illustrious career. The 78th Festival de Cannes will run from 13th May to 24th May 2025, with the official selection of films to be announced this week, on 10th April 2025. Watch this space for all our coverage.
The editorial unit
Image: Brigitte Lacombe
Cannes Film Festival 2025 takes place from 13th May to 24th May 2025. For more information, visit the website here.
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