Cannes: Robert De Niro delivers fiery speech against Trump

Cannes. Actor Robert De Niro lashed out at US President Donald Trump at the opening of the Cannes Film Festival. "In my country, we are fighting tooth and nail for the democracy we once took for granted," the 81-year-old said on stage. "This affects all of us. This affects all of us here, because the arts are democratic."

De Niro had previously received the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which opened that evening. "Art embraces diversity," he said in his acceptance speech. "And that's why art is a threat. That's why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists. America's philistine president has appointed himself head of one of our most important cultural institutions. He has cut funding and support for the arts, the humanities, and education."

Robert De Niro (right) and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Source: Getty Images

De Niro continued: "And now he's announced a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the US. Let that sink in for a moment. You can't put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it. That's obviously unacceptable."

"All these attacks are unacceptable, and this isn't just an American problem. It's a global problem. Like a movie, we can't just sit back and watch. We must act, and we must act now, without violence, but with great passion and determination. It's time for everyone who cares about freedom to organize, protest, and, of course, vote when there are elections."

Leonardo DiCaprio had previously delivered the eulogy for De Niro, calling his fellow actor "the role model we looked up to." DiCaprio said of De Niro: "He doesn't say much, but when he does, it's important. Whether it's about his friends, his family, fighting for our democracy, or supporting the art of film, he's always there."

RND/dpa