Johnny Depp addresses his ‘sometimes tragic’ Hollywood career as he wins huge film award

Johnny Depp spoke of his ‘sometimes tragic’ time in the spotlight as he was honored with the global contribution to motion picture trophy at the National Film Awards.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor was celebrated for his comeback movie, Jeanne du Barry, which was released earlier this year after premiering at Cannes Film Festival last May.

The French film, starring and directed by Maïwenn, marked the 61-year-old’s first major role since winning his highly-publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in the US in 2022.

However, it was met with mixed reviews from critics, with Metro.co.uk suggesting that it was ‘not Depp’s finest hour’.

Following the role, the Hollywood star was awarded with the global contribution to motion picture award, and accepted the gong with a speech at Thursday night’s ceremony.

Appearing in a pre-recorded message, he said: ‘Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak to you today. I feel very lucky, and I feel very honored that you – all of you – allow me to still continue to do the work that I love to do.

Johnny Depp issued a pre-recorded message after his win (Picture: YouTube)

He touched on his ‘sometimes tragic’ journey in Hollywood (Picture: Getty)

‘The work that I do is inspired by all of you who have been along on this long road and comprehended.

‘It’s always especially humbling when recognition for your endeavors 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.

‘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.

‘You should know that it’s only because of you that I still feel the drive to keep pushing forward. It’s only because of you that I’m here today. I thank you and I send you much love and respect, always.’

The actor has rarely been out of the headlines in the last few years (Picture: WireImage)

He recently appeared in Jeanne du Barry (Picture: Vertical)

The National Film Academy commemorated their milestone 10th year of the star-studded awards in London – with a string of huge names also taking home trophies.

Adam Deacon won the best actor award for Sumotherhood, while Arthur’s Whisky star Patricia Hodge took home the best actress trophy.

Back to Black, the controversial biopic of Amy Winehouse’s rise to fame won best drama and best British film, while Anthony Hopkins landed the outstanding performance accolade for One Life.

Jeanne du Barry became Depp’s first film since his legal battles against Heard made headlines around the world.

Johnny made his return to the big screen in the historical film (Picture: WireImage)

The former couple appeared in a heated court battle in 2022, after he sued the Aquaman actress over an article she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018, in which she detailed her experience with domestic abuse.

Although it did not mention him by name, his legal team successfully argued it heavily implied he was physically and emotionally abusive during their marriage, which ended in 2017.

The six-week trial ended with a jury finding in his favor – they officially settled their case at the end of 2022.

He successfully sued ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

Speaking of the role, after a lengthy absence away from the big screen, Depp remained firmly against claims that it is a ‘comeback’.

‘I keep wondering about the word ‘comeback’ because I didn’t go anywhere,’ he previously declared at a press conference for the movie, via Reuters.

‘Maybe people stopped calling out of whatever their fear was at the time but no, I didn’t go nowhere.

‘The notion of something like that is a bizarre mystery.’

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