Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey to be honoured at Cannes Film Festival despite new sexual misconduct claims
Controversial actor Kevin Spacey is set to be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival despite being hit with new sexual misconduct claims.
Spacey, who is also visiting the world's biggest film festival to help find buyers for his new film The Awakening, will be recognised for his 'artistic brilliance' and 'impact on cinema and arts.'
The disgraced actor will receive the Award for Excellence in Film and Television by the Better World Fund on Tuesday at the Fund's 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
While the event is not directly associated with the film festival, the celebrations will take place at the Carlton Hotel, which is one of the main sites of festival activity.
'We are truly privileged to welcome Kevin Spacey as our Guest of Honour and Honouree at the Better World Fund Gala,' President & Founder of the Better World Fund, Manuel Collas De La Roche, said in a statement.
'Kevin's extraordinary contributions to the art of cinema have left a mark on audiences and filmmakers alike. His talent, depth, and commitment to storytelling exemplify the transformative power of film. It is with great excitement that we celebrate his legacy and presence at this meaningful gathering.'
The Awakening will be one of Spacey's first projects since his career collapsed in the wake of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last year in the UK, the scandal-plagued actor was acquitted of nine cases of alleged sexual offences. He was also previously cleared of sexual assault charges in a 2022 civil lawsuit in New York. However, the actor still remains a controversial figure linked with the #MeToo movement.
Earlier this month, new claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour emerged in a British documentary, Spacey Unmasked.
10 men who were not involved in the 2024 UK court case accused Spacey of behaving inappropriately towards them.
But the House of Cards actor denied any wrongdoing.
There's been speculation that Spacey could make an appearance on the red carpet at Cannes, however the festival is yet to confirm this.
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