On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron honored two iconic figures of American cinema, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, during a ceremony in New York. The event took place at the Villa Albertine, a French cultural center in Manhattan, and was part of Macron’s broader visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly. The ceremony recognized the contributions of Scorsese and De Niro to the world of film, emphasizing their roles in preserving cinematic heritage and supporting independent cinema. President Macron presented Martin Scorsese with the insignia of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian honor. Scorsese, who is 83 years old at the time, was recognized for his work in restoring global cinematic heritage and his efforts to sustain independent cinemas. The Legion of Honour is awarded for outstanding service to France and its values, and in this case, it acknowledged Scorsese’s lifelong dedication to the art of film. Robert De Niro received the insignia of Officer of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to visual education and independent audiovisual creation. De Niro, a renowned actor and filmmaker, has long been an advocate for the artistic and cultural importance of cinema. The ceremony was attended by several notable guests, including Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been a vocal supporter of environmental and cultural causes. This event followed Macron’s earlier efforts to support the film industry, including hosting the Lumière summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, where global leaders and filmmakers gathered to address threats to cinema from artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Martin Scorsese had previously emphasized the need for a global conversation on these issues, stating that such discussions are essential for the future of cinema. The honors awarded to Scorsese and De Niro reflect Macron’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in preserving the cultural significance of film.