Spacey to be honoured for his 'impact on cinema and arts' at gala in Cannes

Kevin Spacey is to accept a lifetime achievement award in Cannes this week, in what may constitute one of the most high-profile "uncancellings" of the #MeToo era.

- Philip Oltermann Cannes Mark Brown

The Oscar-winning actor is due to receive an award for excellence in film and television at the Better World Fund's 10th anniversary gala dinner tomorrow at the Carlton hotel.

Spacey, who is also visiting the world's biggest film festival to help find buyers for his new film, The Awakening, will be "recognised not only for his decades of artistic brilliance but also for his enduring impact on cinema and the arts", according to a statement made by the fund.

The Awakening is being presented in Cannes' Marché du Film, the industry market in the basement of the Palais du Cinema.

The gala is not an official part of the Cannes film festival. However, the Carlton hotel is one of the premiere sites of festival activity.

The Guardian contacted the festival's press office to clarify whether Spacey would be granted the privilege of a red carpet appearance.

In July 2023 Spacey was found not guilty of sexually assaulting four men after a trial at Southwark crown court in one of the UK's most high-profile #MeToo trials.

He was previously cleared of sexual assault charges in a 2022 civil lawsuit in New York.