Johnny Depp wells up with tears as he receives SEVEN-MINUTE standing ovation for comeback film Jeanne du Barry at Cannes – a year after court victory over ex-wife Amber Heard
Johnny Depp received a seven-minute standing ovation at the premiere of his comeback film Jeanne du Barry during the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.
The acclaimed actor, 59 – who plays King Louis XV in the period drama – teared up while taking in the moment with director and co-star Maïwenn by his side.
The film is Depp’s first project since he was blackballed by Hollywood after his ex-wife Amber Heard accused him of abuse in 2016.
But after a lengthy trial last year, it was determined that Heard had defamed her ex-husband and she was ordered to pay him over $8million in damages — though they later agreed on $1million in order to put an end to their legal battle.
The 76th Film Festival also marked Depp’s first red carpet appearance since his court victory.
Epic comeback: Johnny Depp received a seven-minute standing ovation at the premiere of his comeback film Jeanne du Barry during the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. The acclaimed actor, 59 – who plays King Louis XV in the period drama – teared up while taking in the moment
The Edward Scissorhands star was greeted with applause and supported by a sea of adoring fans upon his arrival.
Depp couldn’t hide his delight about being back in the Hollywood fold, after previously being dropped from several projects during the trial, including the Fantastic Beasts film franchise.
According to reports, throngs of onlookers shouted ‘Johnny!’ as Depp, in purple-hued sunglasses signed autographs and edged back into the spotlight.
As always, the event attracted the great and good of the celebrity world, as A-listers including Brie Larson, Uma Thurman, Elle Fanning and Helen Mirren stunned onlookers while making their way into the screening.
Jeanne du Barry has been billed as Depp’s comeback – though his prominent presence at Cannes has been hotly debated.
Though he earned a standing ovation, the critics had mixed reactions to Depp’s performance.
Some were impressed by his French spoken word, while others said it was ‘great to see Depp in subtle and quiet mode.’
Louis XV reigned over France from 1715 to his death in 1774. He was married to Queen of France, Marie Leczinska but had a number of long-term affairs. Jeanne was his final lover before he died.
The highly-anticipated period piece was shot over the summer and, along with being his career comeback, this also marks Johnny’s first film in French.
According to the synopsis, the story follows ‘Jeanne Vaubernier, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure [who] uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one.’
The plot continues as she ‘becomes the favorite of King Louis XV, who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life.
‘They fall madly in love,’ the synopsis reads. ‘Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalises the court.’
The film also stars Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Pierre Richard, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair.
Opening night: The Cannes red carpet is springing to life again as the 76th Film Festival gets underway with the premiere of the Louis XV period drama Jeanne du Barry
Johnny! According to reports, throngs of onlookers shouted ‘Johnny!’ as Depp, in purple-hued sunglasses signed autographs and edged back into the spotlight
Film cast: Director Maiwenn and cast members Depp, Pascal Greggory, Pierre Richard, India Hair and Benjamin Lavernhe
Salute! Johnny gave fans a salute as he passed by on his way into the screening
