Johnny Depp describes career as “sometimes tragic” during acceptance speech
After being celebrated at the National Film Awards, Johnny Depp reflected on his career, labelling his path as “sometimes tragic”.
Following a well-publicised legal battle with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, Depp’s reputation was damaged significantly despite a jury ruling in his favour in the United States when he sued Heard over defamation, resulting in her paying him $1million. However, previously in the United Kingdom, Depp failed in his libel lawsuit against The Sun after the publication accused him of domestic abuse.
While Depp has returned to acting, he’s yet to make a Hollywood comeback, and that shows no signs of changing anytime soon. Earlier this year, he starred in Maïwenn’s French-language film, Jeanne du Barry. In the movie, he portrays Louis XV, who becomes entrapped in a love affair with Madame du Barry, which sends ripples through the court system in Versailles.
Meanwhile, his next project will see Depp step behind the camera to direct Modì, a biopic on the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Once again, the movie will exist outside of the Hollywood studio system.
However, after being awarded with the ‘Global Contribution to Motion Picture 2024’ gong for his performance in Jeanne du Barry and the ‘Special Recognition’ award at the National Film Awards in London on July 4th, Depp shared his gratitude for his current position in the film industry.
“The work that I do is inspired by all of you who have been along on this long road and comprehended,” he said in a pre-recorded video message that was played at the event via The Independent.
Depp continued: “It’s always especially humbling when recognition for your endeavours comes directly from the hearts of the people, the hearts and minds who’ve joined me on this long mystical, magical, sometimes tragic – yet never boring journey.”
The actor also thanked those who have enabled him to continue with his passion despite being banished from Hollywood, adding, “I can’t thank you all enough for continuing to allow me to tell the stories that I feel are necessary to be told. And for having stuck with me and my curious collection of characters over these many years.”
Furthermore, in a message to his fans, Depp said they were “the drive to keep pushing forward” in his career.
It comes after Depp recently claimed that Hollywood studios were out of touch with the cinematic demands of the public, and alleged that creativity had been drained out of the system. “They’re disposable and they realise it. Glorified accountants who have the ability to press the green light and make studio films… but they press the green light, they spent shitloads of money,” he told the Metro.
Depp added of current Hollywood trends: “Budgets are ridiculous on these films… some romantic comedy with two very popular people. People – the real people – they’re sick of it.”
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