Robert De Niro Honored with Palme d’Honneur at Cannes 2025

CANNES, France — Legendary actor Robert De Niro will receive the prestigious Palme d’Honneur at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival this May. The award celebrates a remarkable career exceeding 50 years, during which De Niro has delivered unforgettable performances in an array of film genres, showcasing his exceptional ability to portray complex characters.

De Niro, now 80, is particularly known for collaborations with director Martin Scorsese. Their partnership has produced iconic films, including a portrayal of an unstable Vietnam War veteran in 1976’s ‘Taxi Driver.’ The scene where he famously utters, “You talkin’ to me?” remains one of cinema’s most quoted moments. This performance earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes, establishing him as a leading figure in cinema.

Arguably, De Niro’s transformation for the role of Jake LaMotta in ‘Raging Bull‘ marks another high point in his career. His dedication included extreme physical changes to embody the character’s struggles with jealousy and violence, ultimately winning him the Oscar for Best Actor.

In a move that cemented his place in Hollywood history, De Niro took on the challenging role of young Vito Corleone in ‘The Godfather Part II,’ which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His interpretation added layers of depth that paid homage to Marlon Brando’s portrayal.

De Niro’s work continues to span various styles and genres. In ‘Goodfellas,’ he delivered a nuanced performance as mobster Jimmy Conway, where he expertly balanced menace with charisma. His cold yet powerful presence became a signature aspect of his performances in crime dramas.

More recently, in ‘The Irishman,’ De Niro portrayed a hitman grappling with his past, showcasing his complex understanding of character development as he navigated themes of mortality and regret. At 76, he demonstrated that his dramatic prowess remains sharp and relevant.

Despite being predominantly recognized for dramatic roles, De Niro has also showcased his talent for comedy. He demonstrated his comedic chops in films such as ‘Meet the Parents,’ wherein he played Jack Byrnes, a protective father whose interactions with Ben Stiller’s character created comedic tension. He relished the opportunity to explore humor, noting, “In comedy movies, you can do things that in a straight thing you can’t do.”

His ability to oscillate between intense drama and light-hearted comedy highlights De Niro’s versatility and commitment to the art of acting. In collaborations with directors like David O. Russell, he seamlessly navigated roles that required both comedic talent and pathos.

Reflecting on his career, De Niro has turned down several iconic roles, yet his selections have solidified his status as a cinematic giant. Each role showcases his ability to embody multifaceted characters, contributing significantly to the landscape of American cinema.

As Robert De Niro accepts the Palme d’Honneur at Cannes, audiences worldwide celebrate a storied career filled with groundbreaking performances and an indelible impact on film history.