Veteran Hollywood actor and producer Robert De Niro will be honoured with the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, organisers announced on Monday.

The two-time Academy Award winner will receive the accolade at the festival’s opening ceremony on May 13, marking a celebration of his decades-spanning career and enduring impact on global cinema. The next day, May 14, De Niro will also take the stage at the Debussy Theatre for a masterclass session, offering insights into his iconic performances and creative process.

"I have such close feelings for Festival de Cannes… Especially now when there’s so much in the world pulling us apart, Cannes brings us together—storytellers, filmmakers, fans, and friends. It’s like coming home," said De Niro, 81, in a heartfelt statement shared on the official Cannes website.

De Niro’s relationship with Cannes dates back decades. He notably served as President of the Cannes jury in 2011, and several of his films have been screened or premiered at the festival over the years, cementing his status as a festival favourite.

Best known for his unforgettable roles in classics such as ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Raging Bull’, ‘The Godfather Part II’, and ‘The Irishman’, De Niro has not only defined generations of film acting but also influenced countless filmmakers and actors around the world.

With a career that bridges acting, directing, and producing, De Niro’s contribution to cinema has earned him global acclaim, and the Honorary Palme d’Or is one of the highest recognitions of that legacy.

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 will run from May 13 to May 24, attracting industry heavyweights and cinephiles from around the globe.