At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro took a jab at President Donald Trump, referring to him as the “American Philistine President.”
De Niro, a persistent critic of Trump’s actions and statements—having once called him “a nasty little bitch”—spoke after receiving the honorary Parmedollar Award from actor Leonardo DiCaprio at this annual event.
He referenced Trump, the same leader pushing for 100% tariffs on foreign films while claiming the U.S. film industry is “dying.” De Niro stated:
Art is true. Art embraces diversity. That’s why art is a threat to dictators and fascists worldwide.
The Philistine President of America is now leading one of our top cultural institutions, slashing funding and support for the arts and education. He’s now imposed a 100% tariff on films made outside the U.S. You can’t put a price on that connection.
DiCaprio praised De Niro as an “archetype” of a true artist, honoring the 81-year-old for his efforts in defending democracy.
DiCaprio presented him with the award as the audience gave him a prolonged standing ovation. “Thank you, Kid,” De Niro responded, as reported by the Associated Press.
Cannes opened amid controversy, following the conviction of actor Gérard Depardieu for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. Depardieu received an 18-month suspended prison sentence in a prominent #MeToo case in France. He is appealing the ruling and maintains his innocence.
