At the Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro grabbed headlines — not just for picking up the honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement, but for throwing some serious shade at Donald Trump.
The famous actor didn’t hold back during his speech, taking a sharp jab at Trump and his politics.
Stepped out with his 45-year-old girlfriend
Calling Robert De Niro one of the greatest actors of all time isn’t just hype — it’s fact.
At 87, the legendary actor, director, and producer was honored on May 13, 2025, with a prestigious honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the opening ceremony of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. But De Niro didn’t just accept the award quietly — he used the spotlight to deliver a message that left the audience stunned.
The Deer Hunter icon turned heads on the red carpet, arriving with his 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. Also in attendance was his daughter, Helen Grace, who joined the couple for the milestone event.
Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro, and Helen Grace De Niro at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
The award was presented by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio — a full-circle moment, as De Niro served as Jury President at the very same festival 14 years earlier, back in 2011.
And things really heated up during his acceptance speech. Robert De Niro, known for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump, didn’t hold back as he addressed the political climate back home.
”America’s philistine president..”
He kicked off by saying, ”In my country, we are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted.” He went on to add, ”That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic.”
Turning his focus to the current U.S. administration, De Niro sharply criticized President Trump’s recent moves.
“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” he said, referring to Trump’s appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
”We can’t just all sit back and watch”
The Goodfellas star also condemned Trump’s new tariff announcement: “He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education, and now he has announced a 100 per cent tariff on films that are produced outside the US.” After a moment to let the words sink in, he told the audience, “Let that sink in for a minute.”
Calling the situation intolerable, De Niro stressed the global implications.
“All these attacks are unacceptable. And this isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one,” he said.
He wrapped up his speech with a powerful call for action: “Like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now without violence but with great passion and determination. It’s time for anyone who cares about liberty to organise, to protest, and when there are elections, of course, to vote.”
Mixed reactions
The speech sparked a firestorm online. On YouTube and TikTok, users expressed everything from admiration to skepticism. Comments ranged from “Who hurt him?” to “A man with courage.” On commenter said: “Powerful, passionate, yet calm speech. The man is right. It is a call to arms to protect education and the arts, all the things Trump and his international ‘friends’ are frightened of”.
”An actual American, who cares about America and the rest of the planet that we all reside on!,” another person wrote.
On Facebook, reactions were also mixed. Some applauded him: “Very well said. Powerful speech,” while others slammed him: “Shame on him,” or “This guy is insane. Out of touch completely.” Supporters responded with messages like, “Very well spoken by Mr DeNiro. We need to take this seriously and fight back,” though critics continued with remarks such as, “He is a joke.”