Johnny Depp’s New Career Award Stirs Up Controversy

Johnny Depp will receive a huge honor at the upcoming Rome Film Festival—but not everybody thinks he's worthy of the acclaim.

The actor will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement award at the October festival, which will also include a screening of the latest movie Depp directed, Modi – Three Days on the Wings of Madness, according to Deadline, about the groundbreaking artist Amedeo Modigliani.

The announcement has been met with criticism by many on social media in light of the domestic abuse allegations brought against Depp by ex-wife Amber Heard. In 2022, Depp sued Heard for defamation and won the case; however, the court of public opinion had mixed feelings about the verdict.

Responding to news of the Rome Film Festival award, X users pointed out that the Heard case didn't actually damage Depp's career in the way some claimed it would.

Related: Johnny Depp Shares Who Stayed Loyal to Him During Amber Heard Drama: 'Forever in Their Debt'

Others, however, thought the award was well-deserved.

Starring French actress Antonia Desplat and Riccardo Scamarcio, Modi follows 72 chaotic hours in the life of artist Amedeo Modigliani in Paris in 1916 that "become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend,” according to the film's synopsis. The film is Depp's first attempt at directing since The Brave in 1997, which was not well received by critics.

Also receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Festival will be Viggo Mortensen. The Lord of the Rings actor is starring in the Western Dead Don't Hurt, which he wrote and directed.

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