Actor Robert De Niro made an absolute fool of himself by turning his lifetime achievement acceptance speech into a moment dedicated entirely to President Donald Trump.
The legendary actor received the Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award Tuesday at Cannes Festival, but instead of basking in his own glory, he went on an endless rant, calling Trump a “philistine president.”
“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” De Niro told the crowd of A-listers. “That affects all of us here, because the arts are democratic, art is inclusive and brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat.”
The 81-year-old could have easily kept the focus on himself as he accepted the honor, but seemed far too focused on Trump to realize he was ruining his own moment.
“That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists. America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions (the Kennedy Center). He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education,” De Niro said.
Clearly missing the memo on how to graciously accept a lifetime award, De Niro kept it going.
“You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it. Of course, this is unacceptable. All of these attacks are unacceptable,” he said.
The actor concluded by trying to turn the award ceremony into a political rally.
“And this isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one,” he said. “Unlike a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now.”
He shouted out a call to action before finally leaving the stage.
“It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest and when there are elections, of course, to vote. Vote,” De Niro said.
He finally stopped after a feeble attempt at addressing the real reason he was offered a microphone. (RELATED: Donald Trump Causes Theater Kids To Self-Deport From Kennedy Center Performance: REPORT)
“Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” he said.
