Protester Robert De Niro advocates demonstrations against 'unintellectual' Trump during Cannes Film Festival commencement.
U.S. Actor Robert De Niro Slams Trump's Film Tariff Policies at Cannes Festival
Robert De Niro, the esteemed Hollywood actor, took the opportunity during the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony to criticize President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imported films. The 81-year-old accepted a lifetime achievement award at the event, where other Oscar-winning performers such as Halle Berry, Juliette Binoche, and Quentin Tarantino also graced the stage.
De Niro decried Trump's plan to impose a 100% levy on films produced outside the United States. In his impassioned speech, De Niro argued that "you can't put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it." He called on everyone who values liberty to protest against Trump's policies, claiming that artistic freedom is at stake.
The Cannes Film Festival organizers, who desire to avoid political controversy and focus on the films themselves, have welcomed international productions such as those from Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. However, Trump's tariff announcement before the festival has sparked attention towards global issues beyond Cannes.
Jury chair, Juliette Binoche, acknowledged Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who was killed in Gaza, during her speech. Hassona's story will be explored in a documentary to be screened at Cannes.
Before the audience settled down to watch the opening film "Leave One Day," Quentin Tarantino, the American director who began his career at Cannes, formally inaugurated the festival, set to run until May 24th.
Ahead of the festival, U.S. director Sean Baker, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, and American actress Eva Longoria were spotted on the red carpet. Heidi Klum, a German model, wore a pink gown reminiscent of petals, although it seemed the dress code had been updated to forbid nudity and excessive trains, causing Klum to be briefly denied entry. Berry, a member of this year's jury, also had to adjust her outfit due to the revised dress code.
Sources:AFPAl Bawaba© 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (www.our website)
Zaid Qaissieh
As an entertainment writer, Zaid Qaissieh combines a passion for news and storytelling with an attention to detail in his work. His coverage ranges from recent global news and trending entertainment stories to thoughtful analyses. Zaid aims to engage, inform, and inspire readers by presenting well-researched content in an accessible manner.
- Zaid Qaissieh, an entertainment writer, delves into a range of topics including news, history, politics, and business, presenting readers with well-researched content in an accessible manner.
- In the world of business, Robert De Niro recently spoke out against President Trump's proposed tariffs on imported films, arguing that creativity can't be priced but can be tariffed.
- This year's Cannes Film Festival, running until May 24th, has seen a shift in the dress code, with German model Heidi Klum and others adjusting their outfits to adhere to the new rules.
- The entertainment industry is not the only sector affected by political decisions, as evidenced by De Niro's staunch opposition to Trump's film tariff policies.
- Education and cultural exchange are promoted through the screening of documentaries like the one on Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, whose story will be explored at the festival.
