What on Earth Was Kevin Spacey Doing in Cannes?

Many top stars—everyone from Scarlett Johansson to Tom Cruise to Robert De Niro—have descended upon Cannes, where the world’s most essential international film festival is still unfolding. But onlookers may be surprised to learn that recently, there was a more unexpected performer in town, someone who was a Cannes regular before falling from grace eight years ago due to multiple accusations of sexual misconduct: Kevin Spacey. (Spacey has denied the allegations.)

Spacey has not been to Cannes since 2016. But this week he was back—though the actor was not actually invited to the Cannes Film Festival, and he certainly does not have a film there either in competition or out of competition. In fact, the festival itself was quick to issue a statement meant to distance itself from the Oscar winner: “The Cannes Film Festival is not involved in, nor has it been informed of, the invitation to Mr. Spacey or the prize awarded to him during a private event,” it said.

Indeed, Spacey was in Cannes to receive an award—for excellence in film and television—at a gala held Tuesday at the Carlton hotel. Though that venue is a favorite of stars during the fest, and this event was held concurrently with the fest, the gala was not officially affiliated with the Cannes Film Festival.

Instead, this gala and charity auction came from the Better World Fund, which was raising money for filmmaker Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust—an NGO dedicated to helping children living on the streets in India. The Better World Fund advocates for global causes such as sustainability, education, gender equality, and human rights through culture and the arts, according to its website, and has been organizing this side event during the Cannes Film Festival in recent years. (The guest of honor at the gala held during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival was Juliette Binoche, who is now president of the official Cannes Film Festival jury.)

“We feel truly privileged to welcome Kevin Spacey as our guest of honor and honoree at the Better World Fund Gala,” said Manuel Collas de La Roche, president and founder of the organization, via a statement. “Kevin’s extraordinary contributions to the art of filmmaking have left an impression on audiences and filmmakers alike. His talent, depth, and commitment to storytelling exemplify the transformative power of film. It is with great enthusiasm that we celebrate his legacy and his presence at this important gathering.”

Spacey seemed to relish getting a platform at the gala, delivering an acceptance speech in which he sought to settle a few scores.

Kevin Spacey, durante su discursoPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images