Johnny Depp accepts film award behind ɓars in ɓizarre photo after Ɩosing ƖibeƖ triaƖ

In a bizarre photo, the actor, 57, appeared to pose with his trophy behind bars in the Bahamas as he scooped the Actor with Unique Visual Sensitivity prize for his drama Minamata at this year's virtual Camerimage festival.

The screen star - who has since been asked to step down from his role as Gellart Grindewald in Fantastic Beasts 3 - had taken legal action after the publication labelled him a 'wife beater' in reference to his two-year marriage to Amber Heard. 

Brushing aside the drama: Johnny Depp accepted an award on Saturday after his £5 million libel suit filed against The Sun newspaper was summarily dismissed by the High Court

In the image posted to Camerimage's official social media accounts, the producer flashed a wide grin and sported a beanie hat with shades as he pointed at his accolade with pride.  

The Pirates of the Caribbean star wrote an acceptance letter to the event's organisers, in which he expressed gratitude towards the cinematographers he has worked with throughout his 36-year career. 

Writing from the tropical island, the thespian said: 'Ladies & Gentlemen, Tonight, I would like to thank everyone involved at the ENERGA CAMERIMAGE FILM FESTIVAL for this very special and unique award.

'Over the years, I have been lucky enough to work with many incredible cinematographers, including but not limited to; Stefan Cazapsky, Vilko Filac...

Accolade: The actor, 57, was in the Bahamas as he scooped the Actor with Unique Visual Sensitivity prize for his drama Minamata at the Camerimage festival (acceptance letter above)

Change: The screen star has since been asked to step down from his role as Gellart Grindewald in Fantastic Beasts 3 (pictured in 2018's second instalment with Poppy Corby-Tuech)

Controversy: The thespian had taken legal action after the publication labelled him a 'wife beater' in reference to his two-year marriage to Amber Heard  (pictured in 2016)

'Monica Lenczewska, Chris Menges, Sven Nykvist, Nicola Pecorini, Phillipe Rousselot, Peter Sova, Masanobu Takayanagi, Zariusz Wolski, and most recently, Benoit Delhomme, on Minamata.

'The relationship between the actor and the cinematographer is a pivotal one. You might even say the most important, considering cinema, more than anything, is a visual medium. With Benoit, we enjoyed a sort of dance together. 

'It was a joy to come to work every morning, since we never quite knew what was going to happen. Our director, Andrew Levitas, encourages us to explore and investigate the many ways in which the scene we might be shooting that day, could play out.

Portrayal: In the movie, Johnny plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith who travels to Japan to document the devastating effects of mercury poisoning in coastal communities in the 1970s

Star-studded: Minamata is scheduled for release next February, and also stars Bill Nighy (pictured), Katherine Jenkins and Hiroyuki Sanada

'I have always been someone who needs to not know what is coming next. To capture those unrehearsed moments – those moments of beautiful mistake – those same moments that make cinema, and life, magic. 

'So, once again, thank you. I am both honored and humbled. Sincerely, Johnny Depp.'  

His new film closed the one-week event - which is usually held in Poland - on Saturday.

In the movie, Johnny plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith who travels to Japan to document the devastating effects of mercury poisoning in coastal communities in the 1970s. 

Iconic: Smith's account of the US offensive against Japan during WWII earned him a reputation as one of the most significant photojournalists of his generation (pictured in 1945)

Minamata will follow Smith some thirty years after his photographic account of the US offensive against Japan during World War II, notably the Battle of Okinawa, earned him a reputation as one of the most significant photojournalists of his generation. 

With the war long since over, the artist becomes increasingly reclusive, but a commission from Life magazine tempts him back to the far east, where he draws attention to the plight of a humble fishing community. 

Gaining their trust, the photographer endeavours to bring their story to the world's attention, and by doing so begins a lengthy quest for justice against the corporations responsible for causing the disaster. 

The fallout resulted in victims receiving some of the biggest financial payouts of all time. 

Minamata is scheduled for release next February, and also stars Bill Nighy, Katherine Jenkins and Hiroyuki Sanada.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Johnny had lost his libel case when a judge ruled that he attacked his ex-wife Amber, 34, a dozen times and said he became a 'monster' when he binged on drink and drugs.

The subsequent fallout has resulted in the media personality parting ways with Warner Bros. and the Fantastic Beasts franchise - potentially the first in a series of expected blows to his film career.

Johnny confirmed his departure from the film in a statement to fans shortly after London's Royal Court Of Justice deemed there was reasonable ground to claim he assaulted his former wife. 

Action: Johnny also has a separate defamation lawsuit against Amber, scheduled to take place in Virginia (pictured outside the Royal Courts of Justice in July)  

'Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

'Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

'My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.' 

While he will not feature in the third instalment, it's understood that he will still receive his full fee - reported to be within the region of £7.4 million ($10million). 

The Hollywood Reporter claims that The Tourist star had a special provision in his contract called pay-to-play, meaning he would get his full salary no matter what happened to the movie, or if his role went to another person. 

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen has now been approached with a view to taking the role, Deadline reports. 

Johnny - who filmed one scene for the film before initiating legal proceedings against The Sun - also has a separate defamation lawsuit against Amber, scheduled to take place in Virginia. 

This would have required Johnny to be in court for three consecutive days in November, and would have also altered the Fantastic Beasts 3 shooting schedule.

Stepping in? It's understood that Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (pictured in October) has now been approached with a view to taking the role