thebahamasweekly.com - (PHOTOS) Johnny Depp accepts Career Achievement Award at the Bahamas International Film Festival

Entertainment : Bahamas International Film Festival

Last Updated: Dec 24, 2009 - 2:19:17 PM

(PHOTOS) Johnny Depp accepts Career Achievement Award at the Bahamas International Film Festival
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Dec 19, 2009 - 12:36:01 AM

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SLIDE SHOW: Bahamas International Film Festival Career Tribute to Johnny Depp. Balmoral Club, Nassau on December 13th, 2009 Photos: Photo: AshHenderson.com

Nassau, Bahamas - American actor, Johnny Depp graciously and humbly received a career achievement award last night during a tribute held in his honour at the 6th annual Bahamas International Film Festival.

The actor, director and musician arrived at The Balmoral Club in a pin-striped suit and was greeted by Festival founder Leslie Vanderpool, and then fielded questions from the press before attending a private reception in the historic mansion where he met Sir Sean Connery for the first time.

When asked how he felt about receiving the award he said he was "a little stupefied by the notion" of winning awards.

"The first thing I say is 'why?' I just go to work like anyone else, except my job is a little stranger," added Depp.

A large audience gathered on the lawn outside of The Balmoral to see one of their favourite actors in an outdoor setting boasting the beauty of The Bahamas with a backdrop of palms and vines. The event was sponsored by The Balmoral and private bankers Lombard Odier Darier Henstch.

Mr. Johnny Depp receives his career achievement award presented to him by Sir Sean Connery. Festival founder and executive director, Leslie Vanderpool stands center. Photo: AshHenderson.com

Special guests and film makers from around the world descended the stairs from The Balmoral to be seated in the outdoor theatre, and after Miss Vanderpool welcomed the audience, including such local dignitaries as US Ambassador to The Bahamas, her excellency Nicole Avant, and director general of the Ministry of Tourism, Vernice Walkine along with the Bahamas film commissioner Craig Woods, Sir Sean Connery was invited to the stage to present the award to Mr. Depp. Both actors are also residents of The Bahamas and throughout the night many wonderful things were said by them about their second home. Sir Sean Connery has been a patron of the Festival for years and has always encouraged the further development of film making in The Bahamas, offering such suggestions as a 'film house' to be built in Nassau.

After the presentation of a the wood carved award, representing the fish logo of the Bahamas International Film Festival, a question and answer session took place. The last person to ask a question from the audience happened to be a young Bahamian artist who presented Mr. Depp with a portrait he had done of him.

Quite unexpected by all in attendance, Depp receives a portrait from a young Bahamian artist in the audience. Photo: AshHenderson.com

Depp revealed that he would be spending Christmas on his private Bahamian island in the Exumas.

"This place is as close to paradise as anywhere you can get," he said about The Bahamas, and he said he'd be pleased to do any work in a place he loves to be.

He said he will be back in his his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the next Pirates of The Caribbean film in summer of 2011.

The evening ended with a montage of Depp's greatest roles from Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd and of course Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean.

After the tribute a private dinner was held in his honour at The Balmoral for Depp, Connery and special VIP guests.

Sir Sean Connery and Johnny Depp at the Bahamas International Film Festival where Connery presented Depp with a career achievement award on December 13th. Photo: AshHenderson.com

Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool stands with principals of private bank, Lombard Odier , sponsors for the gala evening and Depp tribute. Left is Christian Coquoz, Managing Director, and right is Laurent Collie, Private Client Director. Photo: AshHenderson.com

Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool (in soft turquoise) stands with principals of The Balmoral Club, sponsors for the gala evening and Depp tribute. Left to right: Layla Kinsale, Raimond Zielstra, Leslie Vanderpool, and Jason Kinsale. Photo: AshHenderson.com

SLIDE SHOW Photos by AshHenderson.com

Photos © www. ashhenderson.com

Ash Henderson Photography

The B ahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and international festival-goers with a diverse presentation of films from the Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present and future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout the Bahamas and the world.

For additional information please visit www.bintlfilmfest.com

Stay tuned for our upcoming video coverage of the event by The Bahamas Weekly.