Cannes 2025: Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrates Robert De Niro with Top Honor

The 78th Cannes Film Festival started with a heartfelt bang on Tuesday night as Leonardo DiCaprio handed Robert De Niro a special Palme d’Or for his amazing career. The packed Grand Lumière Theatre erupted in cheers, with everyone from jurors to fans giving the 81-year-old icon a huge standing ovation.

DiCaprio, 50, got the crowd emotional with a speech about his longtime friend. “Every once in a while, even the most private giants deserve their moment,” he said, sharing how De Niro cast him in This Boy’s Life in 1993, kickstarting his own career. He gushed about De Niro’s legendary roles in films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, saying they “redefined what cinema could be.” With a big smile, DiCaprio added, “There’s no one more deserving of this Palme d’Or than Mr. Robert De Niro.”

De Niro, clearly moved, gave DiCaprio a warm hug and jokingly called him “kiddo.” Taking the mic, he spoke from the heart about art’s power. “Art embraces diversity. That’s why we are a threat to autocrats.” he said. He urged everyone to “get out there, speak up, and vote” to keep freedom alive, wrapping up with a shout-out to France: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”

Their friendship, which started on This Boy’s Life and came full circle in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), made the night extra special. De Niro’s no stranger to Cannes, having starred in Palme d’Or winners Taxi Driver (1976) and The Mission (1986), and even headed the jury in 2011.

After the emotional tribute, the festival showed Leave One Day, a fun musical comedy by Amélie Bonnin. De Niro’s sticking around to host a masterclass on Wednesday at the Debussy Theatre, where he’ll dish on his five-decade career. The festival runs through May 24, shining a light on the best in film.