Written by Kianna Best on Apr 7, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Robert De Niro to Receive Honorary Palme d'Or at 78th Cannes Film Festival

Hollywood legend Robert De Niro is set to receive the prestigious Honorary Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in both the actor’s prolific career and the festival’s history. The award will be presented during the festival’s opening ceremony on May 14, celebrating De Niro’s enduring impact on cinema as an actor, director, and cultural icon.

In a statement, the Festival de Cannes praised De Niro as a "monument of cinema" whose career has left an indelible mark on international film. From his early collaborations with Martin Scorsese in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, to his more recent work as both actor and producer, De Niro's legacy spans decades and genres, always pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

This will not be De Niro’s first major appearance at Cannes. In 2011, he served as President of the Jury, the same year his directorial debut, A Bronx Tale, was honored in the Cannes Classics section. That film, a deeply personal narrative set in his Bronx neighborhood, reflected De Niro’s nuanced understanding of human complexity — a theme consistent throughout his career​.

The Honorary Palme d'Or, introduced in 2011, is awarded to figures whose contributions to cinema have been significant, yet who have never received the main competition Palme d’Or. Past recipients include luminaries such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Woody Allen, and Clint Eastwood​

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De Niro’s selection comes at a poignant moment for global cinema, as the industry continues to redefine itself in a post-pandemic landscape. Cannes organisers noted that his commitment to storytelling, founding of the Tribeca Film Festival, and championing of independent voices all speak to the core values the Palme d'Or represents — artistry, resilience, and cultural dialogue.

The 78th edition of the Festival de Cannes will run from 13 to 24 May, 2025, and promises a strong lineup of international films, retrospectives, and tributes. With Robert De Niro taking center stage, this year’s festival is poised to be a celebration of legacy and cinematic excellence.

Images courtesy of Festival de Cannes