Fat Cannes, Robert de Niro received the top honorary Palm d’Or prize. While known for his ‘calling a spade a spade’ approach, he gave a political speech there.
In his acceptance speech, he called President Donald Trump his decisions that varied from democracy to his customs plans.
“In my country, we are fighting as hell for the democracy we once took for granted. It affects us all here because art is the digel that brings people together who tonight. Art looks after the truth. Art includes diversity. That’s why art is a threat,” said Oscar winner.
He continued, “That’s why we have a threat to autocrats and fascists, America’s Philistine President has himself appointed leader of one of our leading cultural institutions [the Kennedy Center]”
“He has cut funding and support for art, humanities and education. And now he has announced a 100 percent duty on film produced outside the United States that lets it sink,” the 81-year-old raged.
The Golden Globe winner added, “You can’t appreciate creativity, but apparently you can put a duty on it. Of course, this is unacceptable. All these attacks are unacceptable. And this is not just an American problem, it’s a global. As a movie we can’t just all lean back and watch, we have to act and we have to act now.”
“It’s time for everyone who cares about the freedom to organize, protest, and when there is election, vote. Voting. Tonight, and for the next 11 days we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this wonderful festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” the actor concluded.
It is relevant to mention that Leonardo DiCaprio presented honorary palsy d’Or to Robert.
