On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, American actor, director and producer Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d'or for lifetime achievement at the opening ceremony of the 78th Festival de Cannes, 14 years after he Presided over the Jury in 2011.
There are faces that stand in for the 7th Art, and lines of dialogue that leave an indelible mark on cinephilia. With his interiorized style, which surfaces in a gentle smile or a harsh gaze, Robert De Niro has become a cinematic legend.
"I have such close feelings for Festival de Cannes..." he declared on hearing of his honorary Palme d'or. "Especially now when there's so much in the world pulling us apart, Cannes brings us together -- storytellers, filmmakers, fans, and friends. It's like coming home."
His screen debut sealed the fate of a historic generation of directors in New York City, who would become the next generation of Hollywood filmmakers. From the very first films of a just-graduated Brian De Palma, Robert De Niro lent his features to anti-hero characters. The Wedding Party, Greetings and Hi, Mom! give form to Brian De Palma's style as much as to Robert De Niro's acting, in which violence springs from a charismatic calm. From his bohemian youth as the son of painters in New York, he drew on a streetwise attitude which, with its codes of conduct and ethics, would spice up his early performances and later blossom in front of Martin Scorsese's camera. This legendary cinematic friendship began in 1973 with Mean Streets, in which they depict their Little Italy neighborhood.
Throughout his career, De Niro has lent his natural authority to characters from the Italian-American Mafia, from petty thug to major mafioso, making them his signature characters, beginning the following year. Then, he took on one of the most significant roles in his career and in the world of cinema: the young Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather Part II, and succeeded in the challenge of interpreting the early years of Marlon Brando's character without imitating him. His performance earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
The years that followed confirmed Robert De Niro's talent, with a string of films and successes. In 1976, he presented two masterpieces of the 7th Art in the Official Selection at the Festival de Cannes: Bernardo Bertolucci's 1900 and Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, which won the Palme d'or. His perfectionistic acting had a lot to do with this award, between preparation (he obtained a New York cab driver's license) and improvisation (the mirror scene is beyond description).
His commitment to his roles became legendary as his collaboration with Martin Scorsese continued: he learned to play the saxophone for New York, New York, took up boxing and gained 30 kilos for Raging Bull, which was his own idea and which won him the Oscar for Best Actor. To exorcise his conflicted relationship with fame, he brought the screenplay for The King of Comedy to his fellow lead, and went as far as to interview his own fans when he was to play this character obsessed with a talk show host. The film opened the Festival de Cannes in 1983. The following year in Cannes, Robert De Niro presented Once Upon a Time in America, Sergio Leone's last film, before returning to the Croisette with Roland Joffé's The Mission. A rare occurrence for an actor, only 10 years after Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro played the lead role in a second Palme d'or.
In the 1990s, the actor reinvented himself. He played his authoritarian persona in such comedies as John McNaughton's Mad Dog and Glory, Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, Harold Ramis' Mafia Blues, and Jay Roach's cult hit Meet the Parents, in which he traumatizes a willing Ben Stiller.
“FILM SYNTAX” – a JAMES W. HAWK book
IT HAS RISEN TO #39 ON THE AMAZON BEST-SELLING CINEMATOGRAPHY LIST!
Available now on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZVM9L9N
Dive into the cinematic universe with Film Syntax by James W. Hawk, a meticulously crafted exploration of four of the most iconic films in cinematic history: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Taxi Driver, and Apocalypse Now. Whether you are a passionate cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or someone intrigued by the magic of storytelling through film, this book offers a wealth of insights into film visual and narrative techniques.
James W. Hawk, an acclaimed filmmaker with over 160 IMDb credits and numerous international accolades, brings his expertise and passion for cinema to this detailed analysis. Through his lens, readers are guided to uncover the hidden language of film syntax and the subliminal techniques that shape how viewers interpret and emotionally engage with the moving image. With his decades of experience and unique perspective, Hawk illuminates the profound artistry of directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola.
This book is not your average film commentary. It goes beyond surface-level critiques and delves into the intricate mechanisms that make these films unforgettable. Readers will discover how Kubrick's meticulous sequence editing in 2001: A Space Odyssey creates a sense of awe and timelessness, immersing the audience in a cosmic journey unlike any other.
In his analysis of Citizen Kane, Hawk explores why Orson Welles’ magnum opus is consistently hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. Hawk demystifies the film's use of symbolism, unconventional camera angles, and overlapping dialogue, providing readers with a fresh appreciation for the innovative genius of Welles and his collaborators.
The psychological depth and raw intensity of Taxi Driver take center stage in Hawk's exploration of Martin Scorsese’s gripping masterpiece. The book dissects key scenes, such as the climactic confrontation with the underworld, to illustrate how lighting, camera work, and set design contribute to the film's haunting atmosphere.
Finally, Apocalypse Now is analyzed as both a narrative odyssey and a metaphorical descent into the human condition. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic war film is presented as a layered exploration of conflict, madness, and morality. From the surreal visuals of the helicopter attack to the symbolic interplay of light and shadow, Hawk deciphers how Coppola uses every cinematic tool to create a film that is as visually stunning as it is thematically profound.
More than just a collection of essays, Film Syntax serves as an introductory roadmap for understanding how filmmakers use visual and narrative techniques to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. For film students, this book provides an invaluable resource for learning how to interpret and analyze cinematic language. For movie enthusiasts, it offers an opportunity to revisit beloved classics with a new appreciation for the craft behind them. Hawk’s writing is clear, engaging, and brimming with enthusiasm, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all levels.
Beyond the films themselves, Hawk’s personal story as a filmmaker enriches the book. With two decades of filmmaking experience, over 111 films screened at 63 festivals worldwide, and awards for his animation and narrative work, Hawk’s credentials lend weight to his analyses. He brings the perspective of someone who not only studies film but creates it, making this book a bridge between theory and practice.
Film Syntax is not just a book; it’s an invitation to think critically about
NEW BOOK…”FILM SYNTAX BY JAMES W. HAWK” JUST RELEASED!
Available now on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZVM9L9N
Dive into the cinematic universe with Film Syntax by James W. Hawk, a meticulously crafted exploration of four of the most iconic films in cinematic history: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Taxi Driver, and Apocalypse Now. Whether you are a passionate cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or someone intrigued by the magic of storytelling through film, this book offers a wealth of insights into film visual and narrative techniques.
James W. Hawk, an acclaimed filmmaker with over 160 IMDb credits and numerous international accolades, brings his expertise and passion for cinema to this detailed analysis. Through his lens, readers are guided to uncover the hidden language of film syntax and the subliminal techniques that shape how viewers interpret and emotionally engage with the moving image. With his decades of experience and unique perspective, Hawk illuminates the profound artistry of directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola.
This book is not your average film commentary. It goes beyond surface-level critiques and delves into the intricate mechanisms that make these films unforgettable. Readers will discover how Kubrick's meticulous sequence editing in 2001: A Space Odyssey creates a sense of awe and timelessness, immersing the audience in a cosmic journey unlike any other.
In his analysis of Citizen Kane, Hawk explores why Orson Welles’ magnum opus is consistently hailed as one of the greatest films ever made. Hawk demystifies the film's use of symbolism, unconventional camera angles, and overlapping dialogue, providing readers with a fresh appreciation for the innovative genius of Welles and his collaborators.
The psychological depth and raw intensity of Taxi Driver take center stage in Hawk's exploration of Martin Scorsese’s gripping masterpiece. The book dissects key scenes, such as the climactic confrontation with the underworld, to illustrate how lighting, camera work, and set design contribute to the film's haunting atmosphere.
Finally, Apocalypse Now is analyzed as both a narrative odyssey and a metaphorical descent into the human condition. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic war film is presented as a layered exploration of conflict, madness, and morality. From the surreal visuals of the helicopter attack to the symbolic interplay of light and shadow, Hawk deciphers how Coppola uses every cinematic tool to create a film that is as visually stunning as it is thematically profound.
More than just a collection of essays, Film Syntax serves as an introductory roadmap for understanding how filmmakers use visual and narrative techniques to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. For film students, this book provides an invaluable resource for learning how to interpret and analyze cinematic language. For movie enthusiasts, it offers an opportunity to revisit beloved classics with a new appreciation for the craft behind them. Hawk’s writing is clear, engaging, and brimming with enthusiasm, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all levels.
Beyond the films themselves, Hawk’s personal story as a filmmaker enriches the book. With two decades of filmmaking experience, over 111 films screened at 63 festivals worldwide, and awards for his animation and narrative work, Hawk’s credentials lend weight to his analyses. He brings the perspective of someone who not only studies film but creates it, making this book a bridge between theory and practice.
Film Syntax is not just a book; it’s an invitation to think critic
MTFB'S ALMOST FINAL OSCAR WINNER PREDICTIONS
That's right. "Almost Final". I finally decided that I'll put up a "Final Final" on Sunday morning so as to have the freshest data for the nine or so categories that are tight. More on them below. That said, here are your latest MTFB predictions about who/what wins an Oscar on Sunday night in all 23 categories. As always, TFF #51 films are in Bold. A film's previous position is in parentheses to the right of each title.
BEST PICTURE
1) Anora (1)
2) Conclave (2)
3) The Brutalist (3)
4) A Complete Unknown (4)
5) Wicked (5)
6) Emilia Perez (6)
7) I'm Still Here (8)
8) The Substance (7)
9) Dune Part Two (9)
10) Nickel Boys (10)
BEST DIRECTION
1) Sean Baker/Anora (1)
2) Brady Corbet/The Brutalist (2)
3) James Mangold/A Complete Unknown (3)
4) Coralie Fargeat/The Substance (4)
5) Jacques Audiard/Emilia Perez (5)
BEST ACTRESS
1) Mikey Madison/Anora (3)
2) Demi Moore/The Substance (1)
3) Fernanda Torres/I'm Still Here (2)
4) Cynthia Erivo/Wicked (4)
5) Karla Sofia Gascon/Emilia Perez (5)
BEST ACTOR
1) Adrien Brody/The Brutalist (1)
2) Timothee Chalamet/A Complete Unknown (2)
3)
After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes, chaired by American director, screenwriter and actress Greta Gerwig, surrounded by Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, as well as Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu and French actor and producer Omar Sy, presented its winners' list among the 22 films presented in Competition this year.
© Joachim Tournebize / Festiva
Feature Films
 The American actor and producer will receive Spain's highest award for an international filmmaker on February 8th in Granada “for his extraordinary contribution to the art of cinema, starring in some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, and for his personal and professional social commitment.
Richard Gere will meet with the media on February 7th in the Andalusian city
Days of Heaven, Officer and a Gentleman, American Gigolo, The Cotton Club, Pretty Woman, and the musical Chicago, for which he won the Golden Globe, are just some of the many titles inextricably linked to Richard Gere, in the memory and emotions of viewers around the world in recent decades.
World-renowned, the committed American actor and producer will be recognized with the fourth International Goya Award in history. Created to recognize personalities who contribute to cinema as an art that unites cultures and viewers around the world, he has been awarded “for his extraordinary contribution to the art of cinema, starring in some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, and his social commitment, personally and professionally, developed over many decades.
With an undeniable attractiveness that he has displayed in his numerous appearances on the big screen, Gere has been acting for five decades and will collect the International Goya Award in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of his debut on the big screen.
Terrence Malick –photographed by the legendary Spanish cinematographer Néstor Almendros–, Francis Ford Coppola, John Schlesinger, Robert Altman, Paul Schrader, Richard Brooks, Lasse Hallström, Mike Figgis, Todd Haynes, Rob Marshall, Mira Nair and Jerry Zucker are some of the directors who make up the filmography of the star of Days of Heaven, Beyond the Limit, No Mercy, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Hachiko, Internal Affairs, Mr. Jones, First Knight, The Jackal, The Hoax, I'm Not There, The Flock, Amelia and Brooklyn's Finest. Gere was born in Philadelphia 75 years ago and grew up in a small town in Upstate New York.
Julia Roberts (with whom he filmed the now classic Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride), Kim Bassinger (Internal Affairs and Final Analysis), Jodie Foster (Sommersby), Winona Ryder (Autumn in New York), Susan Sarandon (Shall We Dance? and Arbitrage),
Diane Keaton (Looking for Mr. Goodbar), Diane Lane (The Cotton Club, Unfaithful and Nights in Rodanthe) and Uma Thurman (Final Analysis and the recently released Oh, Canada) have been some of the film co-stars of Gere, who received the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Festival in 2007.
He founded the Gere Foundation more than 30 years ago to channel his intense activism in favour of the Dalai Lama's call for Tibetan autonomy and the preservation of Tibetan culture. –He has been practicing Buddhism since he was 20 years old–, and in support of the rights of indigenous peoples, refugees and the homeless. His deep commitment with these causes crosses borders and has led him to collaborate, among others, with the NGOs Survival International, Open Arms and Hogar Sí. He is also a strong supporter of environment protection and through his Foundation, is behind an ambitious nature conservation project –Sierra a Mar– in Mexico.
Richard Gere, who has found his place in Spain –he has been living in our country since last fall– started out as a musician –he plays several instruments– before turning to acting. True to his image –his long, silver hair is unmistakable– the man who was a fashion icon in the eighties –the Armani s
This Year’s Annual Fundraiser Supporting SFFILM’s Mission-Driven Initiatives Will Honor Denis Villeneuve with the Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction, Demi Moore with the Maria Manetti Shrem Award for Acting, Malcolm Washington with the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity, and Jason Reitman with the Nion McEvoy & Leslie Berriman Award for Storytelling
From L to R: Denis Villeneuve, Demi Moore, Malcolm Washington, Jason Reitman . Photos courtesy of rights holders.
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Today, SFFILM announced their honorees for the annual 2024 SFFILM Awards Night: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve; award winning global superstar Demi Moore; emerging filmmaker Malcolm Washington; and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman.
The celebratory event honors exemplary achievement in film craft and is a fundraiser with proceeds from the event supporting the organization’s mission to discover, nurture, and showcase the next generation of film artists. The annual dinner and awards presentation event is well established in film industry awards season schedules and philanthropic social calendars. SFFILM Awards Night will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at San Francisco’s Gateway Pavilion at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.
“For 67 years, SFFILM has provided a gateway for bold voices in film to thrive and reach discerning audiences who embrace the experience of going out to the movies,” said SFFILM’s Executive Director, Anne Lai. “SFFILM Awards Night is not only a celebration of the year's most trailblazing artists, but also an opportunity to honor distinctive talent who inspire the next generation of filmmakers who will enrich our lives and communities in the years to come."
“We are so proud to honor this group of individuals as we close out 2024. Their craft and artistry elevates the cinematic experience and reminds us why we collectively love the power of film,” said SFFILM Director of Programming Jessie Fairbanks. “Denis, Demi, Malcolm, and Jason are all intrepid, tenacious, and imaginative creatives. We look forward to honoring their work at SFFILM’s annual fundraiser.”
Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction: Denis Villeneuve
The Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction is presented each year to one of the masters of world cinema and is given in memory of the founder of the San Francisco International Film Festival in 1957. Past recipients include Greta Gerwig (2023), Ryan Coogler (2022), Jane Campion (2021), Chloé Zhao (2020), Marielle Heller (2019), Steve MᶜQueen (2018), Kathryn Bigelow (2017), Mira Nair (2016), Guillermo del Toro (2015), Richard Li
This Year’s Annual Fundraiser Supporting SFFILM’s Mission-Driven Initiatives Will Honor Denis Villeneuve with the Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction, Demi Moore with the Maria Manetti Shrem Award for Acting, Malcolm Washington with the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity, and Jason Reitman with the Nion McEvoy & Leslie Berriman Award for Storytelling
From L to R: Denis Villeneuve, Demi Moore, Malcolm Washington, Jason Reitman . Photos courtesy of rights holders.
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Today, SFFILM announced their honorees for the annual 2024 SFFILM Awards Night: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve; award winning global superstar Demi Moore; emerging filmmaker Malcolm Washington; and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman.
The celebratory event honors exemplary achievement in film craft and is a fundraiser with proceeds from the event supporting the organization’s mission to discover, nurture, and showcase the next generation of film artists. The annual dinner and awards presentation event is well established in film industry awards season schedules and philanthropic social calendars. SFFILM Awards Night will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at San Francisco’s Gateway Pavilion at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.
“For 67 years, SFFILM has provided a gateway for bold voices in film to thrive and reach discerning audiences who embrace the experience of going out to the movies,” said SFFILM’s Executive Director, Anne Lai. “SFFILM Awards Night is not only a celebration of the year's most trailblazing artists, but also an opportunity to honor distinctive talent who inspire the next generation of filmmakers who will enrich our lives and communities in the years to come."
“We are so proud to honor this group of individuals as we close out 2024. Their craft and artistry elevates the cinematic experience and reminds us why we collectively love the power of film,” said SFFILM Director of Programming Jessie Fairbanks. “Denis, Demi, Malcolm, and Jason are all intrepid, tenacious, and imaginative creatives. We look forward to honoring their work at SFFILM’s annual fundraiser.”
Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction: Denis Villeneuve
The Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction is presented each year to one of the masters of world cinema and is given in memory of the founder of the San Francisco International Film Festival in 1957. Past recipients include Greta Gerwig (2023), Ryan Coogler (2022), Jane Campion (2021), Chloé Zhao (2020), Marielle Heller (2019), Steve MᶜQueen (2018), Kathryn Bigelow (2017), Mira Nair (2016), Guillermo del Toro (2015), Richard Li
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