Cannes Film Festival Kicks Off With Johnny Depp, ‘Jeanne Du Barry,’ and Plenty to Talk About

Cannes Film Festival Kicks Off With Johnny Depp, ‘Jeanne Du Barry,’ and Plenty to Talk About
Johnny Depp poses for photographers upon arrival at the opening ceremony and the premiere of the film "Jeanne du Barry" at the 76th international film festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 16, 2023. Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

CANNES, France—The Cannes Film Festival red carpet sprang to life Tuesday with the premiere of the Louis XV period drama “Jeanne du Barry,” with Johnny Depp, as the French Riviera movie pageant launched a star-studded and potentially controversy-rife 76th edition.

Throngs of onlookers shouted “Johnny!” as Depp, in purple-hued sunglasses signed autographs and edged back into the spotlight following his explosive trial last year with ex-wife Amber Heard. “Jeanne du Barry,” directed and co-starring Maïwenn, has been billed as Depp’s comeback—though his prominent presence at Cannes has been hotly debated.