BREAKING NEWS–Johnny Depp to receive a tribute from the American Film Institute on November 11th!

In yet another sign that he has reached the pinnacle of his profession, Johnny Depp was selected by the American Film Institute today as the recipient of this year’s special tribute evening. “A Tribute to Johnny Depp” will take place at the ArcLight Hollywood Theater on Friday, Nov. 11th at 7 p.m., during which Johnny will be interviewed on stage by Time film critic Richard Schickel. The tribute will be followed by the world premiere of THE LIBERTINE.

Here is the official press release from AFI: “Johnny Depp is one of the most versatile and compelling actors working in contemporary world cinema. His ability to first recognize and then whole-heartedly immerse himself in memorable film roles has made him the rarest of movie stars–simultaneously iconoclastic yet eminently bankable–a true original. Pivotal performances in films as diverse as CRY BABY, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE, ED WOOD, DONNIE BRASCO, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, DON JUAN DEMARCO, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, BLOW, CHOCOLAT and ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO make his matinee idol good looks (which have never hurt his career) almost incidental to his work as a great actor.

“More recently, films like PIRATES OF THE CARRIBBEAN (now with two sequels currently in production), FINDING NEVERLAND, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and the daring, edgy THE LIBERTINE (presented as a World Premiere at AFI FEST), have won Depp a new legion of fans and made him more in demand than ever, with a slew of new projects in the pipeline.

“Film Critic and Film Commentator Richard Schickel will join Johnny Depp on-stage in a lively conversation, which will include a career montage, film clips, anecdotes and a thoroughly engaging look into the world and art of this singular, stylish performer.”

Tickets for the Tribute to Johnny Depp are $25 and can be purchased through the AFI website. Tickets for THE LIBERTINE screening are $11. Both go on sale Friday morning, October 14th, at 11 a.m. PDT.

The Zone thanks Jacks_Effects and emma for breaking the story . . . you can read all the luscious details on the Zone’s News & Views forum. To use one of Johnny’s favorite words–wow!