In a lighthearted moment during Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars monologue, veteran actor Robert De Niro found himself at the centre of a joke regarding the age difference between him and his former co-star Jodie Foster. Kimmel’s quip referenced Foster’s age in relation to their iconic film collaboration, “Taxi Driver,” causing a ripple of laughter throughout the audience.
Kimmel, referencing the 1976 classic film in which both De Niro and Foster starred, humorously pointed out the passage of time since their initial collaboration. “In 1976, Jodie Foster was young enough to be Robert De Niro’s daughter. Now, she’s 20 years too old to be his girlfriend,” Kimmel jested, prompting a playful reaction from Foster herself.
The 61-year-old Foster, known for her wit, playfully acknowledged the remark with a nod of agreement, even mouthed, “It’s true.” De Niro, ever the good sport, joined in the laughter, demonstrating the camaraderie between the longtime colleagues.
De Niro, now 80, made a notable appearance at the Oscars alongside his 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. The couple, who welcomed a baby girl named Gia Virginia in 2023, graced the red carpet together ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony.
Inside the venue, Foster and De Niro shared a warm embrace and exchanged kisses on the cheek, a testament to their enduring friendship and professional rapport. Reflecting on their history together, Foster reminisced about De Niro’s pivotal role in her casting for “Taxi Driver,” a decision initially met with scepticism by her mother.
Foster’s nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in “Nyad” during the 2024 Oscars further solidifies her esteemed reputation within the industry. As the evening unfolded, Foster’s good-natured response to Kimmel’s jest added a touch of levity to the event, reminding viewers of the enduring charm and camaraderie of Hollywood’s elite.
