De Niro calls out ‘abuse of power’
The actor, presented with a life achievement award, takes the moment to talk about his political beliefs.
Upon being presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night, the surprising thing wasn’t that Robert De Niro got political, but that he did it so calmly.
“Political leaders who support unions are more likely to support the Affordable Care Act, equitable taxes, humane immigration regulations, a safe environment, a diverse citizenry, reproductive rights, sensible gun control and fair wages and benefits,” the frequent critic of President Trump began.
“There’s right and there’s wrong and there’s common sense and there’s abuse of power,” he added. “And as a citizen I have as much right as anybody to voice my opinion. And if I have a bigger voice … I’m going to use it whenever I see a blatant abuse of power.”
De Niro was presented the award by “Marvin’s Room” and “This Boy’s Life” costar Leonardo DiCaprio.
De Niro, a two-time Academy Award winning actor, is the 56th recipient of the performers union’s highest career accolade.
This year, the veteran actor was overlooked for his lead performance in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” not only by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences but the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. As one of the film’s producers, he was recognized with a nomination for the best picture Oscar.
“Thank you, Leo, thank you, for those generous, generous words,” De Niro said upon taking the stage. “As actors, we don’t take victory laps, we’re too worried about what our next job will be, so it makes me very happy to know that my next job is working with you and Marty [referring to the upcoming project ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’]. At least I know I’ve got another year of health insurance.”