Cannes | The Cannes Film Festival red carpet sprang to life on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) with the premiere of the Louis XV period drama Jeanne du Barry, with Johnny Depp, as the French Riviera movie pageant launched a star-studded and potentially controversy-rife 76th edition.

Throngs of onlookers shouted “Johnny!” as Depp, in purple-hued sunglasses, signed autographs and edged back into the spotlight following his explosive trial last year with ex-wife Amber Heard. Jeanne du Barry, directed and co-starring Maïwenn, has been billed as Depp’s comeback – though his prominent presence at Cannes has been hotly debated.

AP