Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro graced the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5, 2026, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their iconic film, *Taxi Driver*. The duo, along with director Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Paul Schrader, participated in a screening and discussion of the 1976 psychological drama, reminiscing about their experiences and the lasting impact the film has had on cinema.
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During an engaging Q&A session prior to the screening, Foster shared her reflections on *Taxi Driver*, highlighting how it profoundly influenced her career as an actress. “I was a child actor, starting at the age of three,” she began, recalling her initial involvement with Scorsese in *Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore*. Foster explained how her love for film ignited after viewing *Mean Streets*, a moment she cited as pivotal in her desire to act.
Foster candidly recounted her eagerness to work alongside Scorsese and her ambition to be a part of his projects. She spoke about her attempts to get involved in *New York, New York*, which ultimately did not come to fruition due to age restrictions. For her, being on the set of *Taxi Driver* was a priceless opportunity and one she began to grasp the significance of as she observed and absorbed everything around her.
Recalling her interactions with De Niro, Foster detailed how he would pick her up from the Essex House Hotel, take her to a diner, and engage her in script readings. “He sat in silence for about 20 minutes, and to be honest, I was a bit bored,” she admitted. However, this experience grew into something more significant when De Niro introduced her to the art of improvisation during their rehearsals—a transformative moment that significantly shaped her understanding of acting.
Foster described a “light bulb” moment, when she realised that acting encompassed much more than merely reciting scripted lines, saying, “I think I might want to be an actor. This is amazing.” This revelation came as she reflected on her role and the creative process behind the scenes.
In *Taxi Driver*, De Niro portrayed the troubled cab driver Travis Bickle, while Foster played Iris, a young girl caught in the harrowing world of prostitution. Both performances garnered Oscar nominations, and the film itself received critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Picture. Looking back, Foster commented on the authenticity of Bickle’s character, noting a resonance with themes of disaffection and loneliness that she may not have fully understood at the time but found undeniably truthful.
The discussion also ventured into the creative process, with De Niro sharing advice aimed at aspiring filmmakers in the audience. He emphasised the importance of originality in storytelling, saying, “Making it your own” is vital, regardless of the story’s roots. He cautioned against imitation, urging creatives to convey their unique perspectives and experiences through their work.
Foster concurred, expressing gratitude for her unique position as a child actress who had the privilege of learning from such influential directors. She recalled her experience of observing and questioning the choices made by filmmakers, which she considered an invaluable education in cinema. “When you’re young, you channel your art into personal expression, but you’re also absorbing the stories of others,” she noted.
As Foster continued, she emphasised the importance of understanding and connecting with a diverse array of narratives in film. “Over time,” she stated, “you realise that the best education I had was listening to other people’s stories and asking myself how I could help tell those narratives that deserved to be heard.”
The event drew attention not only for the milestone celebration of *Taxi Driver* but also for the insights both Foster and De Niro provided into the craft of acting and filmmaking. As they reflected on their journey from that momentous film, it was clear that the legacy of *Taxi Driver* continues to inspire new generations of artists in the world of cinema. The evening served as a reminder of the film’s enduring relevance and the contributions both actors have made to the industry over the decades.
Their candid reflections highlighted the importance of curiosity and creativity in artistic expression, encouraging those in attendance to explore the depth of their own stories while honouring the narratives of others.