For more than 40 years,Robert De Niro, 76, andMartin Scorsese, 77, have been making movie magic. But when the powerful pair first teamed up for 1973’sMean Streets, they could have never imagined it would lead to a lifelong friendship.“I consider myself very lucky to have that long of a relationship with him,” De Niro tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue of Scorsese. “I can’t imagine my life without it.”The two have now worked together on nine films including their most recent Netflix mob dramaThe Irishman, which costars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci and is nominated for 10 Oscars and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.For more on Robert De Niro, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.Martin Scorsese directs Robert De Niro inThe Irishman.Niko Tavernise/Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock“Doing this film was so special for all of us no matter what happened,” he says. “The good reception is the icing on the cake.”Scorsese has directed De Niro in iconic films such asTaxi Driver,Raging Bull,GoodfellasandCasinoand the actor says there are many qualities he admires about the Oscar-winning director.“Marty is very sensitive about people and actors. He takes what actors give him and uses it,” he says. “He is aware and well-informed about things and likes to read stuff. Directors have to be well-rounded in many facets of life. He’s really great.”The Irishmanis available to watch on Netflix.

For more than 40 years,Robert De Niro, 76, andMartin Scorsese, 77, have been making movie magic. But when the powerful pair first teamed up for 1973’sMean Streets, they could have never imagined it would lead to a lifelong friendship.

“I consider myself very lucky to have that long of a relationship with him,” De Niro tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue of Scorsese. “I can’t imagine my life without it.”

The two have now worked together on nine films including their most recent Netflix mob dramaThe Irishman, which costars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci and is nominated for 10 Oscars and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.

For more on Robert De Niro, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.

Martin Scorsese directs Robert De Niro inThe Irishman.Niko Tavernise/Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock

the irishman

“Doing this film was so special for all of us no matter what happened,” he says. “The good reception is the icing on the cake.”

Scorsese has directed De Niro in iconic films such asTaxi Driver,Raging Bull,GoodfellasandCasinoand the actor says there are many qualities he admires about the Oscar-winning director.

“Marty is very sensitive about people and actors. He takes what actors give him and uses it,” he says. “He is aware and well-informed about things and likes to read stuff. Directors have to be well-rounded in many facets of life. He’s really great.”

The Irishmanis available to watch on Netflix.

source: people.com