Jodie Foster recently joined filmmaker Martin Scorsese and co-stars Robert De Niro and Paul Schrader to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film *Taxi Driver* during the Tribeca Film Festival. The event, which took place on June 5, 2026, saw the legendary collaborators reflecting on their experiences during the making of the groundbreaking 1976 drama.
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Scorsese, now 83, spoke fondly of Foster, who was just 12 years old when she portrayed Iris, a child prostitute, in the film. He highlighted her impressive maturity and authority on set, recalling how he relied on her instincts while filming. “She had authority,” he noted, recalling her “quite, quite supportive” presence during a challenging shoot.
Foster recounted her own memories from that formative period, acknowledging that she had already accumulated a number of acting experiences by the time she joined the *Taxi Driver* cast. She shared a humorous anecdote about a scene in which Scorsese was explaining to her how to pull down De Niro’s character’s fly. The two veterans quickly lost their composure, giggling uncontrollably and unable to provide her with the needed guidance. “They just couldn’t stop laughing,” Foster said, reflecting on the light-heartedness that permeated a project with such heavy subject matter.
Despite the film’s dark themes, Foster described her experience as both important and whimsical. “It felt fun. It felt like a game … this is the most serious thing on earth, but it’s also, I cannot stop laughing,” she recalled, highlighting the delicate balance between the gravity of the subject matter and the camaraderie on set.
The actress received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role, while De Niro was nominated for Best Actor, and the film itself was up for Best Picture. Foster revealed that her introduction to Scorsese’s work came at a young age when her mother took her to see *Mean Streets*. She declared, “I just wanted to be a part of this,” expressing her enthusiasm for the world of film even before she had a formal role in it.
In a pivot to her personal growth as an actress, Foster spoke about a pivotal moment when De Niro introduced her to the concept of improvisation while they were reviewing the script. The experience was illuminating for her, resulting in what she described as a “light bulb” moment. Afterward, she excitedly told her mother, “Oh my God, I think I might want to be an actor. This is amazing.”
During the panel discussion, Foster reflected on the unique position she found herself in, having started her career as a child actress under the guidance of many industry titans. She stated, “I got to look over the shoulder of all of these extraordinary filmmakers,” equating her experiences to a film school of sorts where she constantly questioned their decisions and learned from their artistry.
The actress credited Scorsese and a number of other directors, including Spike Lee, with shaping her understanding of storytelling. She emphasised the importance of empathy in storytelling, stating, “As you get older, I think I’ve come to understand that the best education I had was about looking at other people’s stories.” This perspective has allowed Foster to hone her craft, enabling her to explore narratives beyond her own experiences, and embrace the complexities of human emotion.
The celebration of *Taxi Driver* not only reaffirmed its status as a cinematic landmark but also shone a light on the personal journeys of those involved in its creation. With Foster’s insights, the event provided a rare window into the dynamics of filmmaking and the profound influences that shape a lifelong career in the arts.