Hollywood legend Robert De Niro will be honored for his lifetime contribution to cinema at the 78th Festival de Cannes.
CANNES, FRANCE – The iconic American actor, director, and producer Robert De Niro is set to receive the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or at the opening ceremony of the 78th Festival de Cannes on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The award celebrates his exceptional career and enduring impact on global cinema.
This honor comes 14 years after De Niro served as Jury President at Cannes in 2011, further strengthening his long-standing relationship with the festival. Reflecting on the news, De Niro said, “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’s career began with early roles in Brian De Palma’s films The Wedding Party, Greetings, and Hi, Mom!, paving the way for his legendary collaboration with director Martin Scorsese. Their first film together, Mean Streets (1973), marked the start of a cinematic partnership that would produce iconic films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Irishman.
His portrayal of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and cemented his place in film history. In 1976, De Niro starred in two landmark films presented at Cannes: 1900 by Bernardo Bertolucci and Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, which took home the Palme d’Or that year.
Beyond acting, De Niro co-founded TriBeCa Productions and launched the TriBeCa Film Festival in 2002, demonstrating his dedication to both storytelling and community resilience after 9/11.
Throughout his decades-long career, De Niro has shown incredible range—from intense dramatic roles to comedic performances in hits like Meet the Parents and Silver Linings Playbook. His recent roles in Joker and Killers of the Flower Moon continue to showcase his talent and relevance in modern cinema.
Following the award ceremony, De Niro will host a public masterclass at the Debussy Theatre on Wednesday, May 14, offering festival-goers a rare chance to hear directly from the legend himself.
The 78th Festival de Cannes opens on May 13, 2025, with De Niro’s tribute promising to be one of its most memorable highlights.