Johnny Depp holds back tears as he gets seven-minute standing ovation for his new movie

Johnny Depp has been overwhelmed by the response at the Cannes Film Festival.

He walked the red carpet for the first time since his highly-publicised defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

The actor was greeted with a flurry of screams from fans as well as the shutter of photographers watching him strut with a smile on his face.

When he walked into the theatre ahead of the premiere of his new film, Jeanne du Barry, he had one hell of a reception.

The crowd leapt to their feet and clapped the actor as he made his comeback to the big screen.

Not only that, but Variety reports he had a standing ovation that lasted seven minutes.

You could even see Depp holding back some tears due to the overwhelming display of support.

It was unclear what effect the defamation trial would have on his career.

He had been dumped from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and his tenure in the Pirates of the Caribbean saga was also done.

Abaca Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Apart from a few small projects here and there, his future on the big screen looked in doubt.

However, judging from the reaction to the crowd in France, it looks like he has emerged from his cinematic absence bigger than ever.

His inclusion at the annual event saw some backlash, with critics saying Cannes shouldn't host or promote Depp in any way.

The director of the Cannes Film Festival responded to the issue and said they stand behind Johnny.

Thierry Frémaux said ahead of the festival kicking off: "To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule: It’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework.

"If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.”

He added: "This [controversy] came up once the film was announced at Cannes because everybody knew Johnny had made a film in France.

"I don’t know why she chose him but it’s a question you should ask [Jeanne du Barry director] Maiwenn.

"As for the rest, I’m the last person to be able to discuss all this.

"If there’s one person in this world who didn’t find the least interest in this very publicised trial, it’s me.

"I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.”

While Jeanne du Barry is getting mixed reviews by critics, it's clear the actor is still beloved by fans around the world.