fAt Cannes, Robert De Niro received the top honorary Palme d’Or award. While known for his ‘call a spade a spade’ approach, he made a political speech there.
In his acceptance speech, he called out President Donald Trump for his decisions, which ranged from democracy to his tariff plans.
“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. That affects all of us here, because art is the crucible that brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity. That’s why art is a threat,” the Oscar winner said.
He continued, “That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists, America’s Philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions [the Kennedy Center].”
“He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education. And now he has announced a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the U.S. Let that sink in,” the 81-year-old raged.
The Golden Globe winner added, “You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it. Of course, this is unacceptable. All of these attacks are unacceptable. And this isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one. Like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now.”
“It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and when there are elections, vote. Vote. Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” the actor concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that Leonardo DiCaprio presented the honorary Palme d’Or to Robert.
