Kevin Spacey gets charity award at Cannes, says ‘glad to be working again’

Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey said Tuesday he was “glad to be working again” as he accepted a lifetime achievement award from a charity on the sideline of the Cannes Film Festival.

Spacey’s presence at a gala dinner organised by the Better World Fund marks another step in the rehabilitation of the star, who has been dogged by sexual assault allegations.

“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,” he told reporters at the event. “It’s very nice to be back.”

Asked if it was the beginning of a comeback, he replied: “I’m glad to be working, I’ll tell you that.”

The invitation to Cannes – where Spacey has not been seen on the red carpet since 2016 – comes as the main festival has been enforcing a no-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct, under pressure from lawmakers and #MeToo anti-abuse activists.

French actor Theo Navarro-Mussy – who denies rape allegations made by three women – was barred last week from the premiere of a French film in the running for the festival’s top prize.