Meryl Streep kisses close friend Robert De Niro after he blasts Trump

Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro have been close friends for years, famously starring in 1978 Vietnam drama the Deer Hunter, 1984’s Falling in Love and the 1996 movie Marvin’s Room.

And they greeted each other with a kiss on stage after the actor, 74, announced Streep, 68, had won the award for Best Actress at the National Board Of Review Awards in New York on Tuesday. Laughing and embracing each other, the Hollywood legends looked over the moon to share the podium.

Streep stunned at the event in an all black ensemble, with a sparkly coat adding some flair to the outfit, and flashed a huge smile outside as she posed for photos. Wearing minimal make-up, she showed off a more natural, glowing look on the red carpet.

But De Niro almost stole the limelight on this occasion, as he took the opportunity to blast President Donald Trump in a lengthy speech. Comparing his presidency to the fairytale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, De Niro branded him a “f***ing fool”, according to a transcript obtained by the New York Times.

He reportedly began by congratulating Streep and her co-star Tom Hanks for their performances in new movie The Post, before adding: “At the time of the story Donald Trump was suffering with ‘bone spurs’. Today the world is suffering from the real Donald Trump. Come on. You know. What are we talking about? This f***ing idiot is the President. It’s The Emperor’s New Clothes – the guy is a f***ing fool.”

Citing the historical release of the Pentagon Papers – which is the subject of Streep’s new film – De Niro went on: “Our government today, with the propping [up] of our baby-in-chief – the jerkoff-in-chief I call him – has put the press under siege, trying to discredit it through outrageous attacks and lies.”

It’s not the first time the actor has hit out against the President, and even previously admitted he’d like to “punch him in the face”.

Read more: Deborra-lee Furness, Helen Mirren rock Golden Globes red carpet

Meanwhile, Streep – who has also publicly spoken out against the US President in the past – began her acceptance speech by saying: “I love men… I know it’s the year of the woman and everything, but Oh My God. The men. All my mentors have been men.” 

It comes after she joined a stream of Hollywood stars at the Golden Globes just days ago, as they all dressed in black in support of the ‘Time’s Up’ campaign against sexual harassment.

Many of this year’s celebrities took activists along as their plus ones. Streep, Susan Sarandon, Laura Dern, Amy Poehler, Emma Stone, Emma Watson, Michelle Williams and Shailene Woodley all released a joint statement announcing the plan.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdrEMIRldCB/?hl=en&taken-by=merylstreep

“We believe we are nearing a tipping point in transforming the culture of violence in the countries where we live and work,” the women said, according to the New York Times. “It’s a moment to transform both the written and unwritten rules that devalue the lives and experiences of women.”

Oprah Winfrey also followed the movement in black velvet, as she took to the stage with a moving speech after winning the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. After revealing her happiness to be the first black woman to win the award, she shared her hope for a society where “nobody ever has to say, ‘Me too,’ again.”

What do you think of De Niro’s speech?