Cannes 2025: De Niro, Dress Code, Trump Tariffs

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Robert De Niro received the honorary Palme d'Or and used his acceptance speech to sharply criticize U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling him a 'philistine' and warning about threats to democracy and the arts from funding cuts and proposed 100% tariffs on foreign-made films. De Niro called for global action to defend liberty and support the arts, emphasizing that diversity in art challenges autocracy. Jury president Juliette Binoche echoed concerns, suggesting Trump's tariffs were an attempt to rehabilitate his reputation, while jury member Jeremy Strong highlighted film's role in countering misinformation. The festival introduced new modesty rules on red carpet attire, banning nudity and large trains, which prompted remarks from jury members like Halle Berry. These issues have intensified concerns within the creative community regarding political interference, protectionism, and cultural freedom worldwide.