More than 3,000 people welcomed De Niro outside at the National Theatre. "A film icon is with us tonight," said Festival director Mirsad Purivatra.
Before the screening of "Taxi Driver", De Niro was presented with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Lifetime Achievement Award. The actor said the award was a reminder of a city which had shown heart and courage in the hardest times.
De Niro said Sarajevo Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival he founded were very similar as both had come out of a need to face difficult times.
The Honorary Heart of Sarajevo will also be presented to British director Stephen Frears.
The 22nd Sarajevo Film Festival will show 222 films from 61 countries as part of 18 programmes. The event closes on August 20.