At the 76th Cannes Film Festival 2023, Johnny Depp received a staggering seven-minute-long standing ovation for Jeanne du Barry. A viral video of the 59-year-old actor in tears has sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms. Directed by Maïwenn, the film marks Johnny Depp’s return after his infamous domestic abuse and defamation trial against Amber Heard.
The decision to open the festival with Depp’s movie has sparked backlash against Cannes director Thierry Fremaux due to the allegations made against him. The film Jeanne Du Barry, which tells the story of King Louis XV’s mistress Jeanne Vaubernier, has been surrounded by controversy. Director Maïwenn, who also stars in the film, has admitted to assaulting a journalist, further adding to the controversy.
7-minute standing ovation for Johnny Depp’s film
Johnny Depp has remained out of the public eye since his extensive legal dispute with former girlfriend Amber Heard in 2022. On his return to Cannes, the actor experienced an overwhelming surge of support during his comeback film’s premiere.
johnny depp, cannes (2023) pic.twitter.com/HMTFInALre
— best of johnny (@deppcomfort) May 16, 2023
The audience at the event bestowed Depp with a rapturous standing ovation that lasted an astonishing seven minutes. Depp seemed to be visibly moved by the appreciation as he struggled to hold back tears.
It’s arguable whether the applause was more for the film or his portrayal of King Louis XV or even more for resurrecting his career. Regardless, the actor appeared genuinely surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response.
Maïwenn was also deeply moved and couldn’t contain her emotions. As Depp arrived at Cannes, he was met with thousands of adoring fans. They held up signs of support outside the Palais and trembled with excitement as they yearned to get close to their idol.
Debate surrounding Johnny Depp at Cannes
Despite winning the trial last year, Johnny Depp remains a divisive figure in the public eye. Journalist Eve Barlow, a friend of Amber Heard, initiated the hashtag #CannesYouNot on social media targeting Depp.
Festival director Thierry Fremaux stated that his focus is solely on Depp as an actor and not his legal troubles. In response, 123 French film industry workers penned a newspaper article denouncing the festival.
Their criticism extended to Maïwenn, who admitted to assaulting a journalist in a Paris restaurant earlier this year. The attack was allegedly regarding rape allegations on Maïwenn’s ex-husband, director Luc Besson.
Social media reacts to Depp’s comeback
Twitter is completely divided over Johnny Depp’s comeback story at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. While most people seem to be happy for him, others are still skeptical of his innocence.
IM GONNA CRY WHAT JOHNNY DEPP DESERVES #Cannes2023 pic.twitter.com/YBoJFTzSlg
— maría (@jxnsmanager) May 16, 2023
Johnny Depp leaving the Palais des Festivals in Cannes last night
They didn't let him run to the fans but he made sure he gave them as much of his time as he could before they made him get in the car
He deserves nothing less than the best ☹️💝 pic.twitter.com/W3FgYNpm4k
— 🌷 (@ohmyjohnnydepp) May 17, 2023
Supporting domestic violence victims in the entertainment industry is crucial. Let's stand together and show our support for #JohnnyDepp as they return to acting after their traumatic experience. Trauma can cause high levels of emotional, psychological, and physical distress that… pic.twitter.com/uUAaBqGLYY
— Mindy Davies (@MindyDavies_) May 16, 2023
Fans argued that the court had cleared all the accusations against him and he deserves to be celebrated. However, critics believe that Johnny Depp is still guilty and should not receive treatment like a red carpet or a standing ovation at Cannes, which he did.
johnny depp is an abuser and a rapist who has, throughout his lifetime, continually preyed on younger women and no amount of hollywood and his peers disregarding that and coddling him will make it not so.
— sk (@kirkxxs) May 16, 2023
even putting aside how terrible of a person he is johnny depp has not turned in even a halfway decent performance in over two decades https://t.co/rUlBC60M2i
— i hate you eric adams (@sonyashea3) May 16, 2023
Regardless, we’ll get to know if the public has truly forgiven Johnny Depp based on Jeanne du Barry’s theatrical reception. Until then, the debate rages on in social media.
You can share questions about Johnny Depp’s comeback film at Cannes and standing ovation. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
Make sure you share, subscribe to our push notifications, and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. You can also follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest updates.
