The 2026 Tribeca Festival kicked off its 25th anniversary edition at the Beacon Theatre with the world premiere of HBO’s Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World), a celebratory documentary exploring the group’s out-of-this-world music, visuals, metaphysics, and joy. The film’s director, Grammy- and Academy Award-winning Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, was joined by Earth, Wind & Fire members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson, along with The Roots members Ray Angry and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, as well as musicians Flavor Flav, Chuck D, Jimmy Jam, and H.E.R.  

Prior to the screening, Tribeca Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal welcomed attendees to the opening of the 25th edition, reflecting on the festival’s beginnings and its evolution over the past 25 years.

Following the premiere, audiences were treated to an electrifying live performance by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots, kicking off the festival with an unforgettable evening of film and music that showcased the legendary band’s enduring cultural impact.

In the third photo, Tribeca Festival Co-founders JANE ROSENTHAL and ROBERT DE NIRO, are with special guest WHOOPI GOLDBERG, honoring MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG for his role in helping establish the Tribeca Festival in the aftermath of 9/11. The event took place on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). Below are Bette Midler and Whoopi Goldberg at the reception.

The Tribeca Festival is always a special series of events featuring films not in the mainstream but the work of seminal independent filmmakers who create narratives and vital documentaries, and featuring artists and entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry encompassing TV shows, podcasts, games, webshows and top tech progressives in the industry from New York City and around the world. It should be pointed out that Robert De Niro and his friends and countless artists and celebrities have spoken out about the current political administration and its policies that harm global citizens, obviate human rights and work to destroy all that has made the US an evolving beacon of light and aid in the world.

Thanks to Tribeca publicity and the 25th Tribeca Festvl that has made the copy and pictures available for this journalists’ use.