The 2023 Tribeca Festival kicked off with a pre-reception honoring Robert De Niro - where Mayor Adams gave De Niro a key to the city. Following the ceremony, De Niro received a surprise speech from Martin Scorsese, congratulating him on his commitment to Tribeca, New York, and the festival. Guests included Mark Ruffalo, Debra Messing, Billy Porter, Patty Jenkins, Peter Coyote, Noah Centineo, Dianna Agron, Julian Schnabel, Piper Perabo, and New York Nico.

Following the reception, the opening night screening was the North American premiere of the highly anticipated Kiss the Future documentary featuring U2’s journey to perform a long-promised concert to the people of Sarajevo. Producer Matt Damon attended the event along with Brendan Fraser, Jennifer Esposito, Noah Centineo, Adam Goldberg and Tribeca Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.