23.05.2025
Leonardo DiCaprio’s masterclass in speechcraft as he honors Robert De Niro with the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2025
A moving speech by Leo in honoring Robert De Niro, reflecting grace and honor.

Words: Raja Izz
Leonardo DiCaprio au Festival de Cannes 2025.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images
My earliest memory of Leonardo DiCaprio began - perhaps like many of yours - with Titanic.
I was a secondary school student then, and Leo portrayal of Jack Dawson etched into my mind what manly chivalry could look like: sacrificing comfort for love, dignity for another’s safety, and, ultimately, his life for a lady he cherished. It was a performance soaked in honor. In some ways, Titanic was not merely a film-it was a poetic lesson on being chivalrous. That memory has never faded.
Last week, at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, that same spirit resurfaced - not on screen, but on stage. DiCaprio was there to honor the legendary Robert De Niro with the prestigious Palme d’Or. And what unfolded was not just a tribute. It was a masterclass in spirit. It was, in every sense, a gentleman’s speech.
