Spacey is facing a total of 12 sexual offences in the UK against four men
Kevin Spacey has received a lifetime achievement award in Italy – days after he appeared in a UK court to face sex assault charges – and thanked the Italian National Cinema Museum for having “the balls” to host him.
The disgraced actor said he felt “truly blessed and grateful” to be honoured at the ceremony in Turin on Monday with the Stella della Mole (Lifetime Achievement) Award.
It comes days after Spacey appeared in a UK court to face seven charges of sexual assault against a man in the early 2000s. He denies the allegations.
Spacey is due to stand trial in June.
The 63-year-old’s appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Friday was via video link for the plea and trial preparation hearing.
The Museum of Cinema said Spacey was awarded the prize for his “personal aesthetic and authorial contribution to the development of the art of drama”.
Spacey won Oscars for performances in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, but has barely worked since being accused of sexual misconduct.
He told the audience: “My heart is very full tonight toward the Museum of Cinema for having had le palle [the balls] to invite me tonight.”
Spacey is facing a total of 12 sexual offences in the UK against four men. In July, he denied five allegations relating to three men, who are now in their 30s and 40s, when he appeared at London’s Old Bailey.
Introducing a screening of his 1999 classic, American Beauty, Spacey told the audience in Turin: “I have been so honoured to have been part of the creative process with so many remarkable people. Filmmakers, artists and technicians I have had the chance to work with.
“Who would not consider tonight the perfect opportunity to say, ‘Thank you!’ You are not just honouring me. You are honouring all of them.
“I am truly blessed and grateful and humbled. And my heart is very full tonight toward the National Museum of Cinema for having had the le palle to invite me tonight.”
The actor – who filmed his most recent movie, director Franco Nero´s The Man Who Drew God, in Turin – appeared to be in good spirits during the event.
Related links:
- Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty after appearing in UK court for five sexual assault charges
- Kevin Spacey granted unconditional bail after appearing in UK court on sex assault charges
- Kevin Spacey accuser reacts to his role as ‘sex abuse investigator’
- Kevin Spacey ‘to play sex abuse investigator’ in first role since abuse allegations
