Hollywood actor Robert De Niro has used his award acceptance speech at the Cannes Film Festival to criticize US President Donald Trump. De Niro, 81, was receiving the Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award at the event in the south of France on Tuesday when he called Trump a “philistine president.” “In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” said De Niro to an audience including some of the biggest names in showbiz. “That affects all of us here, because the arts are democratic, art is inclusive and brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat,” added De Niro, who is an outspoken critic of the US president. “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,” he continued. De Niro also took aim at Trump’s reported plan to impose tariffs on movies produced outside the US “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,” he said. “And this isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one. Unlike a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now,” said De Niro. He ended his speech with a call for people to stand up to Trump “without violence, but with great passion and determination.” “It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest and when there are elections, of course, to vote. Vote,” said De Niro. “Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.” De Niro starred in a campaign ad for former US President Joe Biden in May 2024 and has criticized Trump on multiple previous occasions, including call him a “clown.”
Robert De Niro hits out at Trump in Cannes speech
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"Robert De Niro Critiques Trump During Cannes Film Festival Acceptance Speech"
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TruthLens AI Summary
During the Cannes Film Festival, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro utilized his acceptance speech for the Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award to openly criticize U.S. President Donald Trump. The 81-year-old actor referred to Trump as a 'philistine president,' emphasizing the ongoing struggle for democracy in the United States. De Niro expressed concern over the impact of Trump's leadership on the arts, stating, 'In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted.' He highlighted the importance of art as a unifying force that seeks truth and embraces diversity, which he believes poses a threat to autocratic regimes. De Niro specifically condemned Trump’s actions, including the reduction of support for the arts, humanities, and education, as well as the proposed tariffs on foreign films. He argued that creativity cannot be quantified with monetary values, and such tariffs are fundamentally unacceptable.
De Niro's speech resonated with the audience, which included many prominent figures from the entertainment industry, as he called for collective action against what he perceives as attacks on liberty and democracy. He stressed that the challenges posed by Trump are not merely an American issue but a global concern, urging individuals to take action rather than remain passive observers. De Niro concluded his remarks with a passionate plea for civic engagement, encouraging people to organize, protest, and participate in elections. His closing words, 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,' underscored the festival's celebration of art and democracy, reinforcing the idea that the arts play a crucial role in fighting against authoritarianism and advocating for freedom. De Niro, known for his vocal opposition to Trump, previously appeared in a campaign ad for Joe Biden, further illustrating his commitment to political activism in the arts community.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Robert De Niro's acceptance speech at the Cannes Film Festival serves as a significant reflection of the intersection between art and politics, particularly in the context of current events in the United States. His remarks not only highlight his personal opposition to Donald Trump but also resonate with broader themes concerning the role of art in society and the perceived threats posed by authoritarianism.
Critique of Political Leadership
De Niro's choice to label Trump as a "philistine president" underscores his discontent with Trump's policies, particularly those that impact the cultural sector. By emphasizing the importance of democracy and the arts, De Niro positions himself as a defender of creative expression against what he perceives as an attack on these values. His comments about funding cuts to the arts and proposed tariffs on foreign films suggest a fear that the current administration is undermining cultural diversity and creativity.
Implications for Society
The actor's call to action reflects a growing sentiment among many in the arts community and beyond that civic engagement is crucial in the face of political challenges. His insistence on standing up "without violence" but with "great passion and determination" speaks to the need for peaceful protest and active participation in democracy. This aspect of his speech could galvanize audiences who share his views and encourage them to mobilize politically, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
Audience Reception and Impact
De Niro's remarks are likely to resonate with audiences that align with progressive values and are critical of Trump’s administration. This includes artists, filmmakers, and individuals who prioritize freedom of expression and democratic principles. The Cannes Film Festival, being a global platform, amplifies his message beyond American borders, potentially influencing international perceptions of U.S. politics.
Media and Narrative Control
The framing of De Niro's speech in major news outlets may serve to reinforce a narrative that positions cultural figures as key opponents of authoritarianism. This could distract from other pressing issues or alternative viewpoints, suggesting a selective focus on perspectives that align with liberal ideologies.
Market and Economic Repercussions
In terms of economic implications, the entertainment industry might experience shifts in investment and audience engagement based on public responses to political commentary. Companies linked to the arts may find themselves under scrutiny, and public sentiment could sway stock prices, particularly for those in the film and media sectors. The emphasis on tariffs also raises concerns about the financial health of international film collaborations.
Global Context
De Niro's speech touches on a larger, global struggle against autocratic governance. By framing the issue as not solely an American problem, he appeals to a wider audience who may feel similarly threatened by authoritarianism in their own countries. This aspect connects his message to ongoing global conversations about freedom and democracy.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article appears to be reliable, as it quotes De Niro directly and provides context for his remarks. However, the emotional weight of his speech may overshadow alternative perspectives, leading to a potential bias in how the information is presented. Overall, it serves to strengthen the narrative of resistance against Trump while rallying support for the arts.
The analysis of this news piece indicates a complex interplay of art, politics, and public sentiment, suggesting that the message is crafted to mobilize and inspire action among those who resonate with De Niro's views. The potential for manipulation lies in the framing of the narrative, which may selectively highlight certain issues while glossing over others, reflecting a common trend in politically charged media.