Robert De Niro, a cinematic icon, made a notable appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a rare public outing with his partner, Tiffany Chen. The actor, revered for his decades-long contribution to the world of film, also seized the opportunity to voice his strong opposition to former President Donald Trump and his proposed film tariff policies.
De Niro and Chen, parents to their two-year-old daughter, Gia Virginia, graced the red carpet in the south of France on May 13th, at the commencement of the prestigious film festival. De Niro was honored with the Honorary Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) award, a distinguished recognition of his lifetime achievements as a director and actor who has not previously won a Palme d’Or in the competitive categories.
Their presence at Cannes followed their appearance together at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, a few months after welcoming their daughter. The couple was photographed at the New York City film festival in June 2023, holding hands on the red carpet at a screening of "Kiss the Future."
During his acceptance speech at Cannes, De Niro directly addressed Trump’s proposed film tariff, vehemently criticizing the former president as a "philistine." Trump had previously announced in a social media post on May 4th that he was authorizing the U.S. Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to initiate a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films.
De Niro highlighted Trump’s past actions, stating, "Trump has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education. And now he has announced the 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S." He emphasized the inherent value of creativity, saying, "You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently, you can put a tariff on it." The 81-year-old Oscar-winning actor also urged those who value liberty to protest against Trump’s policies.
The specifics of Trump’s proposed tariffs, including whether they would apply to movies on streaming services and those shown in theaters, or how they would be calculated (based on production costs or box office revenue), remained unclear. Trump stated during a May 5th event in the Oval Office that his administration would first consult the movie industry.
However, the White House appeared to walk back Trump’s remarks later that same day. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that no final decision on the matter had been made, adding that the administration was "exploring all options" to execute Trump’s directive to "safeguard our country’s national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again." The slogan, "Make Hollywood Great Again," seemed to resonate with Trump’s desire to reshape the film industry.
The Cannes Film Festival, in its 78th year, brought together movie legends like Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington, as the industry grapples with concerns about dwindling audiences and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs. The festival served as a platform for discussion and celebration amidst these challenges.
De Niro’s appearance at Cannes occurred two weeks after his daughter, Airyn, publicly came out as transgender in an interview on April 29th. De Niro shares twins Airyn and Julian with actress-model Toukie Smith, with whom he was never married.
De Niro is also the father to adopted daughter Drena and son Raphael from his first marriage to actress Diahnne Abbott. He also shares son Elliot, 27, and daughter Helen Grace, 13, with actress Grace Hightower, whom he married in 1997 and separated from in 2018. De Niro is also a grandfather.
The Cannes Film Festival provided a backdrop for De Niro to not only receive recognition for his exceptional career but also to express his political views. His outspoken criticism of Trump’s proposed film tariffs underscores the actor’s commitment to defending the arts and freedom of expression. His presence alongside Tiffany Chen highlighted the personal side of his life, balancing his professional achievements with his role as a partner and father. The event underscored the ongoing dialogue between the entertainment industry and the political sphere, as filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals grapple with the potential impact of policy decisions on their craft and livelihoods.
The Honorary Palme d’Or bestowed upon De Niro serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he has delivered iconic performances in films that have captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. His dedication to his craft and his ability to embody a wide range of characters have established him as one of the most respected and admired actors of his generation. The award recognizes not only his talent but also his influence on the art of filmmaking.
De Niro’s willingness to use his platform to speak out against what he perceives as unjust or detrimental policies reflects his commitment to social and political activism. His criticism of Trump’s proposed tariffs highlights the potential consequences of such measures on the film industry, including the stifling of creativity and the limitation of access to diverse cinematic experiences. His call for resistance against these policies underscores the importance of defending artistic freedom and promoting cultural exchange.
In conclusion, Robert De Niro’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival was marked by both celebration and controversy. His recognition with the Honorary Palme d’Or affirmed his status as a cinematic legend, while his outspoken criticism of Trump’s proposed film tariffs underscored his commitment to defending the arts and freedom of expression. His presence alongside Tiffany Chen highlighted the personal side of his life, balancing his professional achievements with his role as a partner and father. The event underscored the ongoing dialogue between the entertainment industry and the political sphere, as filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals grapple with the potential impact of policy decisions on their craft and livelihoods. The film festival provided a platform for reflection, celebration, and activism, as the industry navigates the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
