Even though he lost his $6.6 million libel suit against The Sun newspaper for labeling him a "wife-beater", Johnny Depp still managed to win a film award for his role in Minamata. But the photo of the award shows the actor holding his trophy behind bars.
The actor, aged 57, poses in the photo in the Bahamas. He won the "Actor with Unique Visual Sensitivity" prize for the Minamata drama at the Camerimage festival.
Depp can be seen grinning widely and wearing a beanie hat with shades. He is also pointing at his trophy, clearly very proud of his accomplishment.
No Longer Part Of Fantastic Beasts 3
But since the lawsuit and the award, he has been asked to give up the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3. He had filed a suit when the newspaper called him a "wife-beater."
The report was referring to the actor's rocky two-year marriage to Amber Heard. However, that ugly history is clearly not holding him back as he still managed to get yet another film award.
He even wrote a letter to the organizers of the event to thank them:
"Ladies & Gentlemen, Tonight, I would like to thank everyone involved at the ENERGA CAMERIMAGE FILM FESTIVAL for this very special and unique award."
Here's the letter the Pirates of the Caribbean star wrote.
Depp wrote the acceptance letter while still in the Bahamas.
Unfortunately, he has been asked to give up his role in Fantastic Beasts 3, where he plays the role of Gellert Grindelwald.
Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard had a contentious divorce.
In the movie Minamata, Depp takes on the role of a war photographer by the name of W. Eugene Smith.
He travels to Japan on a mission to document the terrible effects of mercury poisoning that took place in the coastal communities during the 70s.
Other stars in the film include Bill Nigh, Katherine Jenkins, and Hiroyuki Sanada.
Minamata Scheduled For February Release
The movie follows Smith 30 years after he took photos of the US attack on Japan during the Second World War.
The story focuses on the Battle of Okinawa, which gave him the reputation of being the most important photojournalist of his time.
Years after the end of the war, the man grows more reclusive, until he is commissioned by Life Magazine to document the plight of the humble fishing community in the far east.
He purposes to bring the story of this community to the attention of the world. In the process, he starts a protracted quest for justice against institutions that choreographed the disaster.
In the fallout that ensued, victims receive history-changing financial payouts.
The movie is scheduled for release in February next year. And Depp is obviously not letting the loss of his libel case ruin his ability to enjoy his latest award.
Trouble With Warner Bros
The paper alleged that he had attacked his ex-wife Amber, 34, several times and claimed he became a "monster" when drunk or on drugs.
Afterwards, Depp parted ways with Warner Bros. His removal from the Fantastic Beasts franchise is probably one of the many blows the star should expect to his career in the near future.
Johnny Depp himself confirmed to his fans he was leaving the film soon after the Royal Court Of Justice in London ruled that there was no reason to say that he did not assault his former wife.
In an Instagram post, he said:
"Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who gifted me their support and loyalty."
The actor also has a separate lawsuit against Amber in Virginia.
Although he will resign from this role in Fantastic Beasts 3, he will still get paid his fee of $10 million.
As it turns out, his contract has a pay-to-play provision, which means he will get his salary even if something happened to the movie and another person took his role.
Mads Mikkelsen, a Danish actor, has been requested to take Johnny Depp's role in the film. However, Depp had already filmed a scene for the film.
His scheduled court appearances would have required changes to the film's shooting schedule.
However, it might take a while before the actor's fortunes in the entertainment industry change since he is still fighting allegations that he regularly abused his ex-wife Amber.
