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At the Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony, Leonardo DiCaprio had the special honor of presenting the honorary Palme d’Or to his longtime friend and legendary actor-director, Robert De Niro.
Wearing a classic black tuxedo, DiCaprio took the stage and spoke warmly about De Niro, sharing how those close to him know that De Niro isn’t someone who enjoys being in the spotlight when the cameras aren’t rolling.
DiCaprio lightened the mood with a joke, saying that if he gets even a simple nod or a half-smile from De Niro that night, he’d consider it as good as a standing ovation.
Their friendship goes way back to the early 1990s when they first worked together on the 1993 film This Boy’s Life. Since then, they have teamed up on several projects, including Marvin’s Room, The Audition, and most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon.
On stage, DiCaprio beautifully expressed that sometimes, even the most private and humble giants like De Niro deserve their shining moment—not just for the incredible work they’ve done, but for the quiet and lasting impact they’ve had on many lives, including his own.
He called De Niro “the archetype” for him and many actors of his generation, meaning he is the gold standard they look up to. DiCaprio wrapped up his tribute by saying there’s no one more deserving of this lifetime achievement award than Robert De Niro.
When De Niro walked up to accept the award, the audience broke into applause and gave him a standing ovation, celebrating the iconic actor’s remarkable career and influence.