The 80th birthday celebration for Robert De Niro will kick into high gear with a three-day fan-centric event aptly titled “De Niro Con” in New York City this fall.
Although the Oscar winner’s actual birthday is Aug. 17, the Tribeca Film Festival — which he co-founded in 2001 — will celebrate all things related to the acclaimed actor during a mini-festival running from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
“De Niro Con” will feature classic film screenings, panel discussions, musical performances, immersive installations and set recreations of iconic movies the Greenwich Village native has starred in.
“It’s hard to know what to get Bob for his 80th birthday,” said Tribeca Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal. “He’s already got a gold watch, so we decided to celebrate him and his enduring legacy with a fun-filled fan event as well as pay tribute to his unwavering dedication to his films, art, and the city he loves.”
The announcement came during a private star-studded ceremony at the Tribeca Grill ahead of Wednesday’s 2023 Tribeca Festival opening night. Attendees included Martin Scorsese, Matt Damon, Billy Porter, Debra Messing, Zazie Beetz, Mark Ruffalo, and recent Oscar winner Brendan Fraser.
At the event, New York City Mayor Eric Adams presented De Niro with a golden key to the city, saying the actor “opened our hearts for years and for generations.”
In accepting the honor, De Niro said: “The true key to the city is its people and I am honored to accept that recognition on behalf of my eight and a half million neighbors.”
Scorsese, who directed De Niro in numerous films, including “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas” and the forthcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon,” called the 79-year-old “very much a visionary” for launching New York City’s most anticipated film festival.
“Tribeca Festival is an indomitable institution and a beacon, and Tribeca itself is the most vibrant, alive location,” the auteur said. “It’s the place to be and will continue to grow. It’s amazing he did all of this without having the keys until now so there’s more to come!”
“De Niro Con” will also include special appearances from co-stars and frequent collaborators of De Niro’s. The full line-up will be announced this summer.