At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro was honored with the prestigious honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement. Presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, the 81-year-old actor used his acceptance speech to deliver a powerful political message.

De Niro didn’t hold back, criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump and warning about threats to democracy. “In my country, we are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted,” he said. He linked the arts to freedom, calling them “a threat to autocrats and fascists.”

He condemned Trump’s appointment to lead the Kennedy Center and attacked the administration’s policies, including cutting arts funding and imposing tariffs on foreign films. “We have to act now,” he urged. “Vote. Protest. Organize.”

Social media exploded with mixed reactions—some praised his courage, others slammed his remarks. Still, De Niro stood firm, making it clear that silence isn’t an option.

Accompanied by girlfriend Tiffany Chen and daughter Helen Grace, the Hollywood icon reminded the world: the fight for liberty is far from over.