Robert De Niro is set to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant moment in his long-standing relationship with the prestigious event. At 81 years old, De Niro's connection to Cannes spans over five decades, beginning with his appearances in 1976 when he starred in two films that competed for top honors: Martin Scorsese's “Taxi Driver” and Bernardo Bertolucci's “1900.” “Taxi Driver” won the Palme d'Or, establishing De Niro as a notable figure in the festival's history.
Since that time, De Niro has consistently participated in the festival, returning with various projects over the years, including “The King of Comedy” (1983), “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), and “The Mission” (1986), the latter of which also received the prestigious award. This achievement makes De Niro one of the few actors who have starred in two films that won the Palme d'Or.
In addition to his role in the film industry, De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in New York but has remained a prominent presence in Cannes. He served as the jury president in 2011, overseeing the selection of Terrence Malick's “The Tree of Life” for the Palme d'Or. More recently, De Niro and Scorsese returned to Cannes to premiere their film “Killers of the Flower Moon” in 2023.
Upon the announcement of his honorary award, De Niro expressed his deep connection to the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its role in uniting filmmakers and audiences amidst global divisions. The honorary Palme d'Or will be presented during the festival's opening ceremony on May 13.