The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a powerful moment as Robert De Niro received an honorary Palme d'Or. Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award, highlighting De Niro's massive influence on his own career. De Niro, known for his intense performances, used this platform to discuss pressing issues affecting artists and democracy.

De Niro didn't hold back. He talked about the struggles artists face, especially under certain political climates. He mentioned how arts bring people together and celebrate diversity. This, he said, makes art a threat to those in power who want to control and divide. He criticized a certain president for cutting arts funding and imposing tariffs on foreign films.

De Niro's message was clear: artists can't just sit back and watch. They need to act, to protest, and to vote. He urged everyone to stand up for liberty and to celebrate art. He reminded the audience of the festival's motto: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. "

De Niro's speech wasn't just about the U. S. He stressed that these issues are global. Artists everywhere need to stand together. The Cannes Film Festival, he said, is a place to show strength and commitment to art.

Before De Niro's speech, DiCaprio shared a personal story. He recalled how De Niro's work inspired him as a young actor. DiCaprio's first big break was playing opposite De Niro in "This Boy's Life. " He remembered screaming at De Niro during an audition, which surprisingly landed him the role. This moment, he said, changed his life and started his career in cinema.

The ceremony also honored the late Émilie Dequenne, a Belgian actress who won the Cannes d'Or for her debut film. Her passing was a somber reminder of the fragility of life in the arts. The festival also paid tribute to Fatima Hassouna, a Gaza artist killed in an airstrike. Her story served as a stark reminder of the dangers artists face worldwide.

The festival's jury, led by Juliette Binoche, will judge 22 films. These include works by Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Julia Ducournau. Quentin Tarantino had the honor of declaring the festival open. He is at Cannes this year to pay tribute to the late director George Sherman.

The opening film, "Leave One Day, " is a feel-good musical about a chef returning to her hometown. It's expected to resonate with the French audience. The festival promises a mix of drama, music, and powerful storytelling. It's a chance for artists to showcase their work and for audiences to enjoy a variety of films.

Robert De Niro's Cannes Speech: A Call to Action for Artists

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