Johnny Depp Thanks Fans Who "Stood By Me" Following Tumultuous Year

Johnny Depp has been famous for decades and the longtime Hollywood A-lister was honored for his longevity on Wednesday night at the People's Choice Awards, where he won the award for Favorite Movie Icon. The win came after a tumultuous year in the actor's personal life during which he divorced Amber Heard in a messy separation that included abuse allegations. The year prior his mother passed away, and he paid tribute to her in his speech, saying, “Give ’em hell, Betty Sue!”

But, his message was mostly for his fans. Fighting back tears, he was moved by his win and the cheers from the audience. “I came here for one reason tonight and one reason only. I came here for you, the people, who through whatever good times or bad, you know, have stood by me, trusted me. Thank you," he shared with room. "You’ve very, very graciously invited me here tonight. I appreciate that very much. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

The appearance came just days after Johnny and Amber finalized their divorce on January 13, according to PEOPLE. During his speech, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor added this statement to his fans: “I was very deeply affected by the kindness of your recognition and by the well wishes to my family and to myself, which is why it’s especially meaningful to me to be here in front of you and say thank you and tell you that I truly feel that need to thank you because in all honesty we all know that none of us, especially me, would be standing up here if it wasn’t for you tonight.”

Check out the full moment, below.