Macron Honored De Niro and Scorsese in New York
The French president presented the film icons with the Légion d'honneur during a ceremony at Villa Albertine.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Awards
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French President Emmanuel Macron awarded the Légion d'honneur to Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro on September 22, 2026. The ceremony, held at Villa Albertine in New York City, celebrated the duo for their extensive contributions to global cinema.
Why it matters
The honors recognize the pair's long-standing influence on independent filmmaking and their commitment to preserving film heritage. This formal acknowledgment highlights the enduring cultural connection between the French arts community and these American cinema legends.
Martin Scorsese was named a Grand Officer of the Légion d'honneur, while Robert De Niro received the rank of Officer. Both men are currently 83 years old.
The players
Emmanuel Macron
He is the President of France who traveled to New York to present the prestigious honors.
Martin Scorsese
He is an acclaimed film director recognized here for his contributions to cinema and film heritage.
Robert De Niro
He is an iconic actor and collaborator of Scorsese who was awarded the rank of Officer of the Légion d'honneur.
Leonardo DiCaprio
He is a prominent actor who attended the ceremony to support his fellow filmmakers.
The details
President Macron presented the medals to the duo during his visit to the city for the United Nations General Assembly. Leonardo DiCaprio joined the event to honor the two legends who have partnered on 10 feature films throughout their careers.
Timeline
September 7, 2026: France hosted the Lumière Summit.
September 22, 2026: Légion d'honneur ceremony held at Villa Albertine.
Culture Shift
This event reflects France's ongoing strategy to champion film preservation and international independent cinema as a diplomatic priority. By honoring figures like Scorsese and De Niro, the nation strengthens its influence on the global trajectory of film culture and historical archive standards.
The event at Villa Albertine highlights New York City as a central hub for high-level cultural diplomacy. Residents and film enthusiasts can anticipate continued screenings or heritage programs facilitated by the institute following this high-profile recognition.
The takeaway
The recognition of these filmmakers emphasizes the importance of preserving artistic legacies beyond individual box office success. Readers can support this effort by exploring local independent film archives or participating in community-led heritage restoration projects.
Further reading
For more information on recent honors, visit the Awards section.
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