Spacey entered the venue shortly after 8pm, posing briefly for photographs before being ushered inside.
During the auction, he worked the crowd, encouraging higher bids – and earning a standing ovation when one attendee paid €28,000 for a guitar signed by Sting.
When he accepted his award, the tone shifted.
Drawing a comparison to Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter blacklisted during the McCarthy era, Spacey framed his journey as a battle against injustice.
He praised the loyalty of longtime manager Evan Lowenstein, calling their relationship a lifeline during his most difficult years.
Spacey said: “When I needed someone to stand by me, Evan never hesitated.”
Since his legal battles ended, Spacey has taken roles in smaller productions, including the upcoming 1780, which he described as “one of the most exciting and fulfilling films I have ever made.”
But scepticism remains.
A British film buyer said: “Yes, he was found innocent. So it’s absolutely fair that he should be looking for work again, and it’s down to the individual consciences of other actors and filmmakers as to whether he finds it. But is it a good look for him to be lording it up and collecting dubious awards at this point? Arguably no.”
