INTERNATIONAL: Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has received the Serbian Golden Medal of Merit by President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday ,February 15.

Depp has received the medal in a ceremony held at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, on the country's Statehood Day.

In his acceptance speech, the actor has thanked President Vucic, director Emir Kusturica ,with whom he collaborated for the 1993 movie 'Arizona Dream' , as well as the people he worked with in Serbia. He has also vowed to have a "re-beginning" in Serbia.

In October 2021, Depp has visited Serbia and met with President Vucic while promoting the "Puffins" animated series, in which he voices a main character.

The 168-episode 3-D animated series was created by Iervolino Studios and has produced by Belgrade-based Archangel Digital Studios, with the support of the Ministry of Culture.

In a statement, Iervolino Studios has said Depp was awarded the medal for his "exceptional contributions to the country's continued efforts to enhance and expand its local community of artists".