De Niro Condemns Trump at Cannes; Binoche Honors Slain Journalist

Cannes Film Festival 2025: De Niro's Protest and Binoche's Tribute Highlight Global Tensions The 2025 Cannes Film Festival opened with a mix of celebration and political commentary. Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, receiving a lifetime achievement award, used his speech to criticize US President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign films, calling Trump a "philistine." De Niro's outspoken remarks contrast sharply with the organizers' stated aim of keeping politics out of the festival. His statement, "You can't put a price on creativity, but apparently, you can put a tariff on it," underscores the tension between art and political realities. Adding to the political undercurrents, Jury President Juliette Binoche used her speech to honor Fatma Hassona, a Palestinian photojournalist killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hassona's work is featured in a documentary screened at the festival, further highlighting the global issues interwoven with the event. The inclusion of films from Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran also contributes to the festival's complex political landscape. The festival, while aiming for artistic focus, has become a stage for international dialogue and reflection.