Kevin Spacey returned to the spotlight to collect a lifetime achievement award at a ceremony in Cannes, France.
The 65-year-old two-time Oscar winner was sacked from Netflix’s House of Cards in 2017 after being accused of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Since then, Spacey has been exonerated of sexual abuse accusations in New York in 2022, as well as sexual assault claims in a 2023 London court.
The Better World Fund presented Spacey with a lifetime achievement award on Tuesday, May 20, and he took the stage to speak to participants during the ceremony, which was not part of the current Cannes Film Festival.
According to Variety, during his almost 10-minute acceptance speech, Spacey stated that he had “come out the other side of these last few challenging years not angry, not bitter, not resentful, but more present, more loving, more understanding, and more forgiving than I have ever been in my life.”
According to the publication, the actor also recognized the Better World Fund’s “risks” in recognizing him despite his troubles, saying, “Who would have thought that honoring someone who has been exonerated in every single courtroom he’s ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea?” (In February 2025, another sexual assault legal complaint was filed against Spacey in London.)
According to AFP, Spacey told reporters before accepting the prize, “I feel surrounded by so much affection and love.” I’ve heard from so many of my friends, colleagues, and co-stars in the last week since the award was revealed. It’s wonderful to be back.”
Spacey is tied to the forthcoming thriller The Awakening, which is seeking buyers at the Cannes Film Festival. “I’m glad to be working, I’ll tell you that,” he told AFP.
According to Variety, the actor ended his victory speech by referencing “my friend Elton John” and said, “The reason the outcome means so much to me is that I’m still standing.” “I am still standing.” John, 78, testified in Spacey’s 2023 U.K. trial, and the two have been seen out for dinner together.
Several Hollywood luminaries have come out in support of Spacey’s return to the film industry, including Sharon Stone, who was also honored by the Better World Fund at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Stone, 67, had earlier said that “after being in therapy for seven years, not being allowed to work, losing his home, losing everything, [Spacey] should be allowed to come back.” The actress also expressed that she has faced numerous cancellations, but she is now making a comeback to the fashion industry.
Liam Neeson has stated that “our business needs [Spacey] and misses him immensely,” whereas Brian Cox stated in December 2024, “I don’t think he should be punished eternally for it. We should forgive and move on. Let us go forward. I believe he should be allowed to return to work.
Rent actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed Spacey abused him when he was 14, stated during a public appearance in November 2022 that he understands why many victims do not take legal action against predators.
“What constitutes proof? How do you prove something? Part of the movement is about acknowledging a narrative, listening, serving as a mirror, and healing. You talk about these things. “Those aren’t necessarily things that a courtroom is interested in,” the 53-year-old actor stated at the time, according to Variety.
In a May 2024 interview, Spacey spoke out about new sexual abuse and harassment allegations that were to be aired in a Channel 4 documentary, saying, “I take full responsibility for my past behavior and actions, but I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologize to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me,” according to NBC News. He also criticized the documentary as “one-sided” and a “desperate attempt for ratings.”