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Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kevin Spacey's cunning Hollywood comeback plan as it's revealed surprising A-list star is behind shock Cannes award
Former colleagues, including Oscar nominated actor Guy Pearce, continue to come forward with their tales of how unpleasant it was to work with Spacey WATCH THIS SPACEY Kevin Spacey's cunning Hollywood comeback plan as it's revealed surprising A-list star is behind shock Cannes award Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT takes a lot to upstage the eye-catching dresses on the famous la Croisette in Cannes, but the most outrageous moment of this year's film festival has been the return of Kevin Spacey. Even more shocking was the decision to hand a lifetime achievement award for 'decades of artistic brilliance' to the 65-year-old actor who has been accused of inappropriate behaviour and molesting young men over three decades. 13 Kevin Spacey received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Better World Fund Gala at the Carlton hotel this week, on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival Credit: AFP 13 The actor won a Best Actor Oscar for American Beauty in 2000 Credit: Alamy 13 Spacey pictured leaving Southwark Crown Court during a break while awaiting a verdict in his trial on sexual assault charges in London in 2023 Credit: Getty Those highly publicised accounts included actor Anthony Rapp alleging he was aged only 14 when Spacey pressed his groin onto him and actor Richard Dreyfuss's son Harry saying that Spacey preyed on him when he was just 18. Even though double Oscar winner Spacey has successfully defended civil and criminal claims, new accusers have continued to come forward. Yet at a glitzy dinner at the Carlton Hotel on the seafront in the South of France he was given the chance to rail against being 'blacklisted' and to boast 'I'm still standing'. So who would give the actor best known for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty this platform? The award ceremony, we can reveal, is connected to his old pal Sharon Stone. The Basic Instinct actress copped a lot of flack last year for calling for 'genius' Spacey to be given another chance. And she's backed the Better World Fund which handed out the gong on Tuesday night at the private event in Cannes. The audience paid up to £5,000 for a seat to be at the event aimed at raising money for the 'philanthropic' organisation which uses "cinema and art at the service of humanity". It seems to be part of the latest concerted attempt to bring the House of Cards star - who has just landed a part in a conspiracy action-thriller titled The Awakening, alongside English screen stars Alice Eve, Steven Berkoff and Julian Glover - in from the cold. One man backing Spacey's comeback is film producer Geoffrey Mark, who tells The Sun: 'He is a survivor. Of course what happened has hurt him. Kevin Spacey hit with new lawsuit over debts months after he was booted from mansion & admitted he feared homelessness 13 Sharon Stone copped a lot of flack last year for calling for 'genius' Spacey to be given another chance Credit: Getty 13 A statement issued by Cannes said it had no involvement in, and was not informed of, either the invitation extended to Mr Spacey or the award presented Credit: AP 13 The actor (pictured far right) is best known for his role in The Usual Suspects Credit: Getty Images - Getty 'Of course what's happened has harmed his career and his psyche. He wouldn't be human if it didn't. 'He won't be the lead in this film. He'll be the second lead, but he will steal the movie and he'll win another Oscar and then watch out. 'He deserves it. It's going to happen, folks.' That sounds fanciful, given Spacey's pariah status in parts of the film industry. The officials at the Cannes Film Festival made it perfectly clear that neither the award nor Spacey's first appearance there since 2016 had anything to do with them. The organisers put out a statement saying: 'The Festival de Cannes had no involvement in, and was not informed of, either the invitation extended to Mr Spacey or the award presented during this private event.' Many other people in the movie business want to keep their distance. When Sharon Stone, Liam Neeson and Stephen Fry stated publicly last May that Spacey should be rehabilitated, it wasn't well received. Afterwards Sharon admitted "people are mad at me' for standing up for him. Since then other stars have come forward with their tales of how unpleasant it was to work with the notorious actor. 13 Spacey addressing the media outside Southwark Crown Court in July 2023 Credit: AP 13 Kevin Spacey appears in a conspiracy action-thriller titled The Awakening alongside English screen star Alice Eve Credit: Getty Australian actor Guy Pearce claimed this year that he was 'targeted' by Spacey when they made the 1997 classic LA Confidential together. Pearce, 57, said: 'I was scared of Kevin, he's quite aggressive, extremely charming. I was young and susceptible.' Spacey denied the claims in a video, blasting back: 'Here you are now on a mission, some 28 years later, after I've been through hell and back." Last month Scottish actor David Hayman, 77, remembered having a word with Spacey about his behaviour while shooting the 2000 movie Ordinary Decent Criminal in Dublin. He claimed: 'Kevin Spacey is not a nice human being. He was being terrible to everyone.' Kevin Spacey is not a nice human being. He was being terrible to everyone David Hayman David alleged that he told the American star 'You are ruining everyone's lives, you are not being supportive and you are reducing people to tears, you are chasing young men around Dublin, you're not being professional.' Last year Scottish actor Ruari Cannon, 33, claimed he was pursued by Spacey while working at the Old Vic Theatre in south London. He alleged in a Channel 4 documentary titled Spacey Unmasked that Spacey, who was at that time artistic director of the famous theatre, touched Ruari intimately without his consent in 2013 when he was aged 21. Ruari has brought a civil case against the Hollywood actor at London's High Court, which is yet to be resolved. 13 Spacey is battling a civil case from actor Ruari Cannon over a 2003 molestation claim in London's High Court Credit: Getty In Spacey Unmasked in May 2024, ten men made accusations of sexually inappropriate behaviour. The included claims that he'd pleasured himself in front of a wannabe actor in a cinema and pushed his groin into the face of an Old Vic employee. The star denied doing anything 'illegal', and was found not guilty on all charges, but did admit to 'clumsy' approaches. With accusations still swirling around it is hard to imagine a major studio hiring Spacey. The streaming giant Netflix is yet to release the actor's portrayal of the American intellectual Gore Vidal eight years after the film titled Gore was made. The star was so toxic that British director Sir Ridley Scott reshot all the shamed actor's scenes in 2017's All the Money in the World, replacing him with Christopher Plummer at huge expense. 13 Guy Pearce claimed this year that he feared Spacey when they made LA Confidential together Credit: Alamy In the same year Netflix axed its political satire House of Cards, feeling it couldn't continue with its lead actor in so much hot water. Since then he's played an assassin in a poorly received film called Peter Five Eight and will next appear in The Awakening, which is seeking buyers at Cannes. The other forthcoming project is a historical drama called 1780 which is set during America's war of independence from Britain. But these are all small scale projects. Geoffrey insists that Spacey is working his way back into favour, saying: 'He is not done. He's just thinking it over and when he figures it out, get out of his way.' Other celebrity backers include Sir Elton John who partied with Spacey in Nice, France, after the actor was found not guilty of nine sexual offence charges in July 2023. The singer was a witness for the defence at the trial at Southwark Crown Court where four men claimed Spacey had forced himself upon them. A jury in a civil case in 2022 also found that Rapp had not proven his allegations. Spacey and his supporters argue that these legal successes prove his innocence. During his speech at Cannes, the actor complained: 'Who would have ever thought that honouring someone who has been exonerated in every single courtroom he's ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea?' 'Too handsy' The truth, though, is that Spacey has admitted mistreating other men. After Anthony Rapp made his claims in 2017 Spacey's publicist said that the actor was seeking 'evaluation and treatment.' In a 2024 interview with Piers Morgan, the actor confessed to 'bad behaviour' and being 'too handsy'. The House of Cards producers sacked Spacey on the grounds that he was ill with 'compulsive sexual behaviour disorder'. They successfully sued him for £22million, due to the revenue they lost by having to cancel the show. Those huge costs almost bankrupted Spacey and he had to sell his home in Baltimore to pay his legal bills. But Spacey says that following his treatment he is a 'better person.' Geoffrey thinks that Spacey deserves another chance. He concludes: 'Let's give this wonderful man a break. Last time he was in a film, he was a sexy, handsome, leading man. 'Well, he's no longer young. It happens to all of us in show business. We have to adjust to our ages and play different kinds of roles. 'I think he's figuring out what would be good. And when he does, we're going to see him right at the top again." 13 When actor Anthony Rapp alleged in 2017 that in 1986 that Spacey had molested him when he was aged just 14, Spacey did make an apology Credit: AFP or licensors 13 House of Cards producers sacked Spacey in 2017 on the grounds that he was ill with 'compulsive sexual behaviour disorder' Credit: Capital Pictures
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Spacey declares it's 'nice to be back' as he accepts lifetime achievement award
Kevin Spacey declared it's "nice to be back" before accepting a lifetime achievement award during a charity gala in France. The 'House of Cards' star made a return to the spotlight at the Better World Fund Gala in Cannes to accept a prize honouring "excellence in film and television" marking his first major public appearance since he was cleared of sexual assault charges in London in 2023 - and Spacey used his speech to address his legal issues. According to Spacey thanked Better World Fund Gala President and Founder Manuel Collas de La Rochefor inviting him to the event, saying: "I'd like to congratulate Manuel for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award,. "Who would have ever thought that honoring someone who has been exonerated in every court room he's ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea. But here we are." He went on to talk about screenwriter Dalton Trumbo - who was blacklisted from Hollywood after being accused of having Communist links - and praised the "bravery" of actor Kirk Douglas for standing up for Trumbo and giving him the chance to pen the screenplay for his Oscar-winning movie 'Spartacus'. Space added: "Kirk Douglas took the risk, and would later say ... 'It's easier for us actors to play the heroes on screen. We get to fight the bad guys and stand up for justice. But in real life, the choices are not always so clear. There are times when one has to stand up for principal'. "I've learned a lot from history - it often repeats itself. The Blacklist was a terrible time in our history [we must remember] so that it never happens again." He went on to praise his manager Evan Lowenstein for helping him through the tough times. Spacey said: "Through Evan, I have learned to seek understanding instead of judgement and with this guidance, I've been able to come out these last few challenging years, not angry, not bitter, not resentful, but more present, more loving, more understanding and more forgiving in my life." Spacey's speech came after he walked the red carpet at the event and told reporters: "I feel surrounded by so much affection and love. "I've heard from so many of my friends, and colleagues and co-stars in the last week since this award was announced. I feel surrounded by support and it's very nice to be back." When asked if he is planning a career comeback, Spacey replied: "Well, I'm glad to be working - I'll tell you that!" Spacey denied all allegations of misconduct against him and he was acquitted of nine sexual assault charges he faced in the UK in 2023. He was also found not liable in a sexual assault lawsuit filed in New York which was dismissed in 2022.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kevin Spacey declares it's 'nice to be back' as he accepts lifetime achievement award
Kevin Spacey declared it's "nice to be back" before accepting a lifetime achievement award during a charity gala in France. The 'House of Cards' star made a return to the spotlight at the Better World Fund Gala in Cannes to accept a prize honouring "excellence in film and television" marking his first major public appearance since he was cleared of sexual assault charges in London in 2023 - and Spacey used his speech to address his legal issues. According to Spacey thanked Better World Fund Gala President and Founder Manuel Collas de La Rochefor inviting him to the event, saying: "I'd like to congratulate Manuel for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award,. "Who would have ever thought that honoring someone who has been exonerated in every court room he's ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea. But here we are." He went on to talk about screenwriter Dalton Trumbo - who was blacklisted from Hollywood after being accused of having Communist links - and praised the "bravery" of actor Kirk Douglas for standing up for Trumbo and giving him the chance to pen the screenplay for his Oscar-winning movie 'Spartacus'. Space added: "Kirk Douglas took the risk, and would later say ... 'It's easier for us actors to play the heroes on screen. We get to fight the bad guys and stand up for justice. But in real life, the choices are not always so clear. There are times when one has to stand up for principal'. "I've learned a lot from history - it often repeats itself. The Blacklist was a terrible time in our history [we must remember] so that it never happens again." He went on to praise his manager Evan Lowenstein for helping him through the tough times. Spacey said: "Through Evan, I have learned to seek understanding instead of judgement and with this guidance, I've been able to come out these last few challenging years, not angry, not bitter, not resentful, but more present, more loving, more understanding and more forgiving in my life." Spacey's speech came after he walked the red carpet at the event and told reporters: "I feel surrounded by so much affection and love. "I've heard from so many of my friends, and colleagues and co-stars in the last week since this award was announced. I feel surrounded by support and it's very nice to be back." When asked if he is planning a career comeback, Spacey replied: "Well, I'm glad to be working - I'll tell you that!" Spacey denied all allegations of misconduct against him and he was acquitted of nine sexual assault charges he faced in the UK in 2023. He was also found not liable in a sexual assault lawsuit filed in New York which was dismissed in 2022.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
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.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Spacey honoured at Cannes despite new allegations
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.
