Returning to the spotlight with a leading role in "Jeanne du Barry," Johnny Depp was visibly moved by the fervent ovation the film received at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The actor, whose Hollywood career was impeded by legal disputes with his ex-wife Amber Heard, was welcomed warmly by his fans and supporters at the esteemed event.
Dressed in a black suit with a slicked-back ponytail and tinted purple sunglasses, Depp made a memorable arrival, stirring excitement among the crowd lining the Croisette. As reported by Variety, fans enthusiastically cheered and sought autographs from the actor, with many expressing their support openly.
However, the most impactful moment of the evening came when Depp entered the Palais. Initially met with silence, the room soon erupted into an applause that lasted an incredible seven minutes, leaving Depp visibly moved. In a video shared by Variety, the actor is seen applauding with the crowd, at times covering his face, before embracing director Maïwenn and bowing to the audience.
The overwhelming display of approval brought forth numerous reactions online, with fans expressing their happiness for Depp. "I'm ecstatic...my hero looks so happy!!!" wrote one fan, while another noted, "He rightfully so deserves to be teary-eyed after all he's been through, and he absolutely deserves this kind of love, support, and a standing ovation this long."
Despite his controversial status and the hesitation among some Hollywood studios to collaborate with him due to his personal troubles, Depp's reception at Cannes was decidedly enthusiastic. Many fans who attended the event told Variety they weren't concerned about Depp's past legal issues.
Thierry Fremaux, the Cannes chief, also expressed his support for Depp, stating, "I care about Johnny Depp as an actor."
In 2022, Depp triumphed in his defamation case against Heard in Virginia. Heard had initially appealed but decided to settle and pay $1 million - significantly less than the jury verdict of over $8 million in damages. In an Instagram post, Heard said, "After a great deal of deliberation, I have made a very difficult decision to settle the defamation case brought against me by my ex-husband in Virginia," adding, "This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward."
