Renowned Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was awarded with the Gold Medal of Merit by the Republic of Serbia for his exceptional contributions to the country’s continued efforts to enhance and expand its local artist community. Depp received the medal from Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia, earlier today in the Palace of Serbia.

“Today is a very special day for me, as I have always had a deep connection and bond with your beautiful country that has been kind and warm enough to have welcomed me back here on numerous occasions. One of the things that I have learned from this culture over the years, first and foremost, is to live one’s life to the fullest and to appreciate the now, everyday. And so, I sincerely thank Serbia for awarding me with this Medal of Merit and recognising my fierce passion for your country’s rich culture. Your ongoing commitment to foster the talents of emerging young creators has enabled the stories and triumphs of the Serbian people to be shared with audiences on a global scale,” says Depp. “I look forward to following this next generation of storytellers and witnessing the inevitable impact they’ll have on our industry’s future,” he concluded.

“We would like to congratulate on the award and say we are happy to be partners of Johnny Depp, who believed in our team and participated in the realization of the first animated series “Puffins Impossible”, created and produced in Serbia following the highest world standards. The whole project is a huge incentive for the domestic creative sector, and Depp’s presence at the promotion of the series in Belgrade, meant a lot for the promotion of the Serbian creative industry on a global scene” was communicated from Iervolino Studios and Archangel Digital Studios on the occasion of today’s recognition.

The famous actor attended the official opening of Iervolino Studios (IES) in the company of Andrea Iervolino, Lady Monika Bacardi and Miloš Biković, last October in Serbia. On the same day, he took part in the promotion of the animated series PUFFINS IMPOSSIBLE, realized and developed in Serbia and created by Iervolino Studios (IES), owned by Andrea Iervolino and lady Monika Bacardi, founders of IES’ parent company, Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment (ILBE), and produced by Archangel Digital Studios (ADS) of Miloš Biković, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia.