TURIN, Italy (AP) Making his first speaking appearance since #MeToo-era allegations derailed his career, actor Kevin Spacey used a colorful Italian term to thank the National Cinema Museum in the northern city of Turin Monday for having the courage to invite him.

Spacey received a lifetime achievement award from the museum, discussed key roles during a master class and then introduced the 1999 film American Beauty, for which he won his second acting Oscar, to a sold-out crowd.

I am truly blessed and grateful and humbled. And my heart is very full tonight toward the National Museum of Cinema for having had the le palle to invite me tonight, Spacey said, using the Italian word for a male body part synonymous with courage, to cheers from the master class audience.

By presenting this award, they are making a strong defense of artistic achievement and for that they should be applauded, Spacey said.