Robert De Niro to Receive Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Festival
In a prestigious announcement made on Monday, the 78th Festival de Cannes revealed that acclaimed actor Robert De Niro will be awarded an honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the film industry. This tribute will take place during the festival’s opening ceremony on May 13.
A Celebrated Legacy at Cannes
This honor comes 14 years after De Niro, a two-time Academy Award winner, had the distinguished role of serving as President of the Cannes jury in 2011. His connection with the festival spans decades and showcases a profound relationship with cinematic arts.
De Niro first made his mark at Cannes in 1976, featuring in the festival’s official selection with two films: Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1900 and Martin Scorsese’s iconic Taxi Driver, the latter winning the illustrious Palme d’Or. His presence continued to resonate in the following years, where he opened the festival in 1983 with The King of Comedy, followed by Once Upon a Time in America in 1984, and in 1986 with Roland Joffé’s The Mission, which also secured a Palme d’Or victory. Most recently, in 2023, De Niro showcased his work at Cannes with Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
Reflections on Cannes
De Niro expressed heartfelt sentiments regarding the festival, stating, “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.” His words highlight the festival’s role as a unifying platform for artistic expression.
Masterclass Session for Festival Attendees
In addition to the honorary award, De Niro will engage with attendees through a masterclass scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, at the Debussy Theatre. This unique opportunity allows festival-goers to glean insights from the legendary actor’s vast experience and knowledge.
This year’s Cannes promises to be an extraordinary celebration of cinema, with De Niro’s contributions underscoring the enduring impact of storytelling in today’s world.