Kevin Spacey Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award In Italy Ahead Of Sexual Assault Trial

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Making his first speaking appearance since #MeToo-era allegations derailed his career, actor Kevin Spacey used a colorful Italian term to thank the National Cinema Museum in the northern city of Turin Monday for having the courage to invite him.

Spacey received a lifetime achievement award from the museum, discussed key roles during a master class and then introduced the 1999 film “American Beauty,’’ for which he won his second acting Oscar, to a sold-out crowd.

“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,’’ Spacey said, using the Italian word for a male body part synonymous with courage, to cheers from the master class audience.

“By presenting this award, they are making a strong defense of artistic achievement and for that they should be applauded,’’ Spacey said.

Previous winners of the Stella della Mole Award include actors Isabella Rossellini and Monica Bellucci, and director Dario Argento.

The sold-out events were billed as Spacey’s first speaking engagements in five years. After multiple allegations of sexual assault surfaced, the actor lost his starring role on the Netflix series “House of Cards” and saw other opportunities dry up.

Spacey did not directly address the allegations while accepting the award or during the hourlong class. But while noting the loyalty of many fans, he said “the bond I share with them will not be easily broken by unrestrained, ever-shifting mobocratic ties.”

He choked up as he thanked his manager Evan Lowenstein for his support, calling him “the brother I never had.”

Spacey said he was also “enormously grateful” to Italian director Frank Nero, who hired him for a role in “The Man Who Drew God,” which was filmed in Turin. Spacey will be on hand when the film will be previewed later this week in Rome.

After the master class, fans lined up to take selfies and get DVDs signed.

“I actually missed him, and I think he had a great role in the cinema. He made Netflix what it is today,’’ said Chiara Ottolini, referring to the enormous success of “House of Cards.” “I am so happy to see that he is coming back, because we have to separate the man and the artist.’’

Mery Bicci…