It came as a shock to everyone when San Sebastian Film Festival defended Johnny Depp despite the ongoing controversy.
If you have been on the internet lately, you would know that there is a legal feud ongoing between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, his ex-wife. While the news came as a shock to everyone, the audience still seems conflicted about which side to support. While Depp has always been a fan-favorite actor, not even his biggest fans would be willing to support his allegedly violent behavior.
Honoring Johnny Depp’s Career
Johnny Depp has been starring on the big screen since 1984 with his debut film A Nightmare on Elm Street. Some of his most popular projects include the TV series 21 Jump Street back in the 80s and the iconic role of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean.
As Depp rose to stardom over the years, there is no denying his talent and ambition. To honor Depp’s remarkable success in the film industry, the San Sebastian Film Festival had announced their decision to give Depp the Donostia Award.
How did the controversy begin?
The controversy between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard includes strong allegations from both sides. The former couple constantly accused one another of verbal, physical, and emotional abuse over the course of their marriage.
As the controversy began to land headlines all over the world, Johnny Depp decided to resign from his recurring role of Gellert Grindelwald in the film series ‘Fantastic Beasts’. Audiences also urged Amber Heard to resign from her role as Mera in the Aquaman films, but Warner Bros. made no such announcement.
The battle, however, continues as the former couple files lawsuits against each other.
San Sebastian’s Response
Controversies like these are sure to affect one’s career in one way or the other. Apart from losing his role in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films, audiences also expected to see Johnny Depp become an unpopular figure in the industry. However, it came as a huge surprise when San Sebastian Film Festival still decided to present Depp with the Donostia Award.
San Sebastian gave a public statement on their website saying that they are committed to fighting against inequality, power abuse, and violence against women. However, the statement proceeded to state that Depp had not yet been charged, arrested, or convicted for the crime of assault.
Keeping this fact and their principle of not assuming things themselves, San Sebastian Film Festival proceeded to give Depp the prestigious award.
Making International News
While some people are unhappy about the Festival’s decision to honor Depp, there is no stopping them from presenting the award. However, since the San Sebastian Film Festival is based in Spain, we can easily say that the Depp-Heard legal battle is now making it to global headlines.
The festival did receive considerable backlash from audiences regarding their controversial statement defending Depp. However, the real question is whether that would make them change their original decision. Even if not, a controversy like this is yet to impact both Depp and Heard’s future careers in the film industry.