Depp wit and compassion on display backstage at the Oscars

Oscar tradition claims that nominees are supposed to be nervous, but the backstage stories about Johnny Depp’s appearance at the ceremony this year show his trademark wit and compassion much in evidence. Photos show him hugging longtime friends like Best Director nominee Julian Schnabel (THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY), who directed Johnny in BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, and last year’s Best Actor winner Forest Whitaker, who appeared with Johnny in Oliver Stone’s Best Picture winner PLATOON. To see a photo of Johnny Depp with Julian Schnabel, click here: http://tinyurl.com/2p7o67 and for a larger version of the photo at left, click here: http://tinyurl.com/2tqbmd

Anthony Breznican of USA Today shares this backstage tidbit: “SWEENEY TODD lead-actor nominee Johnny Depp greeted film editing presenter Renee Zellweger backstage as the actress tiptoed around in bare feet. ‘I like your shoes,’ he said, tapping the glittering high heels she held in her hand. She rolled her eyes and groaned. ‘Well, thanks man. . . . I used to like these shoes, too,’ she said, wrinkling her sore toes after a long night of walking. ‘Ah, yes,’ Depp said, nodding with understanding. ‘Past tense, now.'”

Asked to identify what he was wearing on the red carpet, Johnny replied, “Clothes.” For the record, the elegant tuxedo was by Giorgio Armani. The Zone thanks Bonnie and AnaMaria for the photos and Gilbert’s Girl and emjaytee for the USA Today story. –Part-Time Poet