Johnny Depp was in the middle of controversy for a long time due to the legal battle he had with his ex-wife Amber Heard.

The actor made a comeback from battling for his reputation after he was recognized for his role in a film at the premiere of the Cannes Film Festival.

Depp Holds Back Tears during a 7-Minute Standing Ovation

The “Black Mass” star also received a warm reception when he arrived in Cannes. Thousands of supportive fans, who had carried signs outside the Palais, attempted to touch their idol.

Many fans got the opportunity to touch Depp, who spent five minutes outside before gracing the red carpet.

“Jeanne Du Bary” is the film that gave Depp his first high-profile acting role since he concluded the legal battle against Heard.

Depp has remained on the sidelines in Hollywood since Heard accused him of abuse as much as the jury ruled in his favor.

In this latest film, Maïwenn stars as Jeanne Vaubernier. Maïwenn is also the director and producer of the film. Vaubernier was a working-class woman in the 18th century who rose in social ranks to become King Louis XV’s lover.

Vaubernier’s working-class roots made her a social pariah even though she was the king’s lover. She became unwanted in the king’s court. Other actors starring in the film include Pascal Greggory, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, and Pierre Richard.

Depp also gave an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, where he said he would not allow the high-profile legal battle he had with Heard to define him.

As much as Depp received positive reception at the festival, friends of Heard bashed those in charge of the event for inviting him.

Heard’s friend, journalist Eve Barlow said those in charge of the event have a “history of supporting (…) and abusers.”

However, the festival director Thierry Fremaux said he doesn’t know anything about the image of Depp in the U.S. Fremaux said he was only following the law:

“It’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework. If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.”