“You can’t put a price on creativity”- Robert De Niro Slams Donald Trump During Cannes Palme d’Or Speech

The Cannes Film Festival is synonymous with glamour, cinema, and unparalleled talent, and the 2025 edition—marking its 78th year—was no exception. While the festival dazzled with world-class films and exciting premieres, Robert De Niro stole the spotlight when he received an honorary Palme d'Or during the opening ceremony. His acceptance speech, however, went beyond the usual gratitude, as he took a bold stand against Donald Trump.
In a town where charm and talent usually steal the show, political boldness is rare—but Robert De Niro shattered that norm at Cannes, turning the spotlight into a stage for his convictions.
Robert De Niro fires at Donald Trump, defends arts during Cannes award acceptance
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At the Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro did not shy away from controversy. While receiving an honorary Palme d’Or from Leonardo DiCaprio, the legendary actor emphasized the power of art, calling it a "threat" to "autocrats and fascists." Though he did not directly mention the president's name, De Niro criticized the proposed 100% tariff on foreign films, stating, “You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it.”
Robert De Niro continued by condemning the global strikes on freedom, stressing that passive observation was no longer acceptable. He urged action with passion and determination, encouraging people to protest and vote when the opportunity arises. Carrying that same bold, creative spirit, Robert De Niro has now teamed up with Jenna Ortega on an exciting new project.
With stakes this high and excitement reaching a fever pitch, this collaboration is shaping up to be a game-changer—one for the history books, no doubt.
Robert De Niro and Jenna Ortega: A dynamic duo ready to shake up Hollywood
Robert De Niro teamed up with Jenna Ortega in Shutout, a gritty, high-stakes pool hustler drama directed by David O Russell, as reported by Deadline. De Niro plays Jake Kejeune, a seasoned legend of the game, while Ortega takes on the role of Mia, a fiery young talent with a hunger for greatness. As mentor and prodigy clash and connect, the film dives deep into ambition, risk, and redemption in the smoke-filled world of underground pool.
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Oscar winner De Niro has a long history with Russell, with their most famous collaboration being Silver Linings Playbook. Ortega, riding high after standout roles in Wednesday, Beetlejuice, and Scream V, continues to captivate audiences. With Cannes already underway and available for streaming online, De Niro’s bold take on Donald Trump has sent fans into a frenzy, adding even more excitement to the festival.
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What do you think of Robert De Niro's remark about Donald Trump? Let us know in the comments below.
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Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra
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