Robert De Niro went off-book in what quickly became an intense introduction to “Killers of the Flower Moon” at the Gotham Awards.
The actor appeared to suffer some technical difficulties as he read prepared remarks from a teleprompter. After introducing the film and briefly speaking about his collaborations with Martin Scorsese and the Osage people, De Niro paused when he noticed that part of his speech had been deleted from the teleprompter. He eventually proceeded with his introduction, and the video tribute featuring Martin Scorsese was aired, but afterwards, he insisted on reading the remainder of his planned speech.
The Oscar winner called out former president Donald Trump in a politically charged tangent. “He attacks the weak, destroys the gifts of nature, and shows disrespect, for example, by using ‘Pocahontas’ as a slur.”
De Niro continued, “Filmmakers, on the other hand, describe…Oh, I just realized they edited all that. I’m going to thank Apple, Gothams, Apple, blah blah blah. But I don’t feel like thanking them at all after what they did. How dare they, actually?”
He later said onstage, “The beginning of my speech was edited, cut out… and I want to read it. History isn’t history any more. Truth is not truth… Lying has become just another tool in the charlatan’s arsenal.”
De Niro’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” co-star Lily Gladstone was additionally recognized for her Outstanding Lead Performance in “The Unknown Country.” Backstage, when asked how she’s feeling after her double win, Gladstone said, “I feel like I need to start lifting weights” while holding both statues.
Head here for the complete list of winners from the 33rd Gotham Awards, and check out De Niro’s speech below.
