Johnny Depp holds back tears after receiving seven-minute standing ovation for his new film

The actor returned to the red carpet for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival

The actor walked the red carpet for the first time since his highly-publicised defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

He was warmly welcomed in the south of France by a flurry of fans who screamed and cheered as he cut a cheery figure in front of photographers.

The crowd in the theatre was equally welcoming.

Leaping to their feet, there was a remarkable 7-minute ovation for Depp, who held back tears as he took his seat.

There had been a backlash to Depp's appearance at Cannes ahead of the festival.

The actor is fresh out of a defamation case that dragged on over several years.

It comes after Heard wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post which indirectly accused Depp of domestic abuse.

Heard has since quit Hollywood and moved to Spain to get away from all the noise, but there was no keeping Depp away from the limelight.

Speaking about his inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival, director Thierry Frémaux said: "To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule: It’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework

"If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.”

He added: "This [controversy] came up once the film was announced at Cannes because everybody knew Johnny had made a film in France.

"I don’t know why she chose him but it’s a question you should ask [Jeanne du Barry director] Maiwenn.

"As for the rest, I’m the last person to be able to discuss all this.

"If there’s one person in this world who didn’t find the least interest in this very publicised trial, it’s me.

"I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.”

While Jeanne du Barry is getting mixed reviews by critics, it's clear the actor is still beloved by fans around the world.

Here's a trailer for the film:

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