Macron Honored Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro

The French President presented cinema awards in New York to celebrate dedication to film and its preservation.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Awards

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French President Emmanuel Macron presented Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro with the Legion of Honour in New York this week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded Martin Scorsese the rank of Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. During the same event in New York, Macron also honored actor Robert De Niro.

Why it matters

The ceremony highlights the enduring connection between French cultural institutions and American cinematic figures. These honors formally recognize the significant contributions both men have made to the global film industry and the preservation of motion pictures.

Martin Scorsese is 83 years old. The honor conferred is the rank of Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

The players

Emmanuel Macron

He is the current President of France and participated in the ceremony to bestow these national honors.

Martin Scorsese

He is an acclaimed 83-year-old film director known for his extensive contributions to world cinema.

Robert De Niro

He is a renowned actor and frequent collaborator of Martin Scorsese who was also recognized at the event.

The details

President Macron traveled to New York to present the awards, emphasizing the shared value placed on the cinematic arts by France. The event centered on the professional legacies of Scorsese and De Niro, focusing on their lifelong commitment to both creating and preserving films for future generations.

Timeline

  1. The awards ceremony was held in New York on Wednesday evening, September 23, 2026.

Culture Shift

This event follows the long-standing international recognition protocols established by the French state to honor foreign artists. By awarding these titles, France reinforces its role as a global arbiter of cinematic excellence and preservation.

While the awards are ceremonial, they underscore the prestige associated with international film archives and preservation initiatives. Readers can engage with this legacy by exploring the filmographies and restoration projects supported by these artists.

The takeaway

These high-profile honors serve as a reminder of the global nature of film culture and the importance of preserving historical cinema. Appreciating such work encourages a deeper understanding of the artistry that shapes our modern media landscape.

Further reading

For more on how international figures are recognized for their work, see the Awards section.

Live Poll

Should foreign leaders formally recognize the contributions of international filmmakers?