Overview

• Robert De Niro and artist JR revealed excerpts from their in-progress documentary exploring the legacies of De Niro's parents, both artists, during a sold-out Cannes masterclass.
• De Niro expressed regret over not spending more time with his father, painter Robert De Niro Sr., and has entrusted his family archives, including journals and correspondence, to the University of Texas for preservation.
• The actor spoke candidly about mortality, admitting his fear of death and framing creative work as a way to confront it.
• De Niro reiterated his political stance, urging audiences to mobilize for justice and continuing his critique of Trump-era policies against the arts.
• The session marked a notable shift from career retrospectives to a deeply personal exploration of family memory, artistic legacy, and social responsibility.