In a controversial decision, actor Kevin Spacey is set to receive the Better World Fund’s Award for Excellence in Film and Television at a gala in Cannes, France.

President and founder of the Better World Fund, Manuel Callas De La Roche, released a statement saying, “We are truly privileged to welcome Kevin Spacey as our Guest of Honor and Honoree at the Better World Fund Gala.

“Kevin’s extraordinary contributions to the art of cinema have left a mark on audiences and filmmakers alike. His talent, depth, and commitment to storytelling exemplify the transformative power of film. It is with great excitement that we celebrate his legacy and presence at this meaningful gathering.”  

The award is not officially part of the Cannes Film Festival.

Spacey recently attacked actor Guy Pearce, who claimed that Spacey “targeted” him during the filming of L.A. Confidential.

Spacey’s award is suspected to be in an effort to promote his upcoming movie The Awakening, one of his first on-screen roles since he was accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of men.

Despite Spacey’s case serving as one of the most prominent ones propelling the #MeToo movement, and allegations from over 30 men, Spacey was cleared of sexual assault charges in a 2022 civil lawsuit in New York. A year later, in 2023, a lengthy UK trial found him not guilty of sex crimes

The producer of The Awakening, Matt Hookings, shared that Spacey’s attendance at the event was an opportunity for him to plug the new film, drum up interest and catch the public’s attention.

Hookings said, “A lot of people really like [Spacey], so you’ll have a lot of people going, ‘This is really cool’…And then you’ll have some people that’ll be like, ‘What the f— is he doing here?’ But hopefully the people who say, ‘What the f— is he doing,’ when they realize why he’s here they’ll give him a second chance.” 

Many are calling the Better World Fund’s decision to celebrate Spacey an insult to the #MeToo movement.

Spacey has continually denied all allegations, and last April, he praised the men who accused him of their “great acting” jobs. 

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Article by Baila Eve Zisman

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