Robert De Niro took a veiled but unmistakable jab at Donald Trump during the opening night of the Tribeca Festival on June 5, 2024. The 82-year-old Oscar-winning actor spoke about the festival’s mission to bring people together through storytelling, especially in the wake of divisive leadership. ‘Monstrous leaders…are trying to force us apart for their own immoral, cruel and corrupt purposes,’ De Niro said, adding, ‘You know who I’m talking about,’ without naming Trump directly.

Tribeca, now in its 25th year, opened with the premiere of a documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire, directed by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, while the film chronicles the band’s rise to fame and their influence on artists including Stevie Wonder and the Obamas. In introducing the film. Thompson said it allowed him to ‘tell a metaphysical story about how nine individuals sort of tricked us into positivity.’.

Collaboration with Ariana Grande

In a separate interview with Entertainment Weekly on June 2, De Niro praised Ariana Grande for her professionalism and energy during the filming of the new My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequel. ‘She is fantastic and very professional,’ De Niro said. He revealed that he had known of Grande for years through his daughter, who watched her on television. Despite his admiration for the singer. De Niro admitted he had not yet seen her Oscar-nominated performance in Wicked. ‘I want to see it with my daughter,’ he explained.

Advice to Young Actors

De Niro has also offered life lessons to aspiring actors, particularly in 2021, when he reflected on the importance of remaining calm during success. ‘When things are going well, stay calm because everyone around you gets excited,’ he said. Unlike some Hollywood legends, De Niro has maintained a steady career across decades, earning Oscar nominations in each one. His iconic roles include Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II and Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.

Future Projects and Legacy

At the Tribeca Festival, De Niro also spoke about his future collaborations, particularly with longtime director Martin Scorsese. ‘I expect to make at least one more film with Marty,’ he said. The duo, who last worked together in 2023 on Killers of the Flower Moon, has a storied history spanning ten films, including Goodfellas, Mean Streets, and Raging Bull. Scorsese, meanwhile, is currently working on What Happens at Night and other projects like Life of Jesus and Midnight Vendetta.

Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca with De Niro, reflected on the festival’s enduring legacy. ‘I only thought we were doing this once to bring people back to lower Manhattan, and I can’t believe 25 years later we’re still standing here,’ she said.