The opening ceremony was marked by the presentation of the honorary "Golden Palm Branch," which this year was awarded to Robert De Niro for his contribution to world cinema.

The award was presented to the actor by Leonardo DiCaprio, his partner in the film "The Flower Moon Killers" (2023). Before the ceremony began, the guests of the event recalled one of De Niro's most famous roles - the character of the main character in the film "Taxi Driver" (1976), directed by Martin Scorsese.

De Niro began his acting career in the 1960s. To date, he has played over 110 roles in feature films, many of which have become classics.

As every year, the organizers made two "Golden Palm Branches": one is awarded to the winner of the main competition, the other to the winner of the main competition. In 2025, 19 films, including three French films, will compete for the festival's main prize.