It’s been 20 years since Kevin Costner attended the Cannes Film Festival. However, after the long standing ovation he received at the premiere of his new film, “Horizon: An American Saga,” it seems clear audiences won’t need to wait another two decades before the Golden Globe-winning actor-director returns to the French Riviera.

Costner’s instincts to wait for the perfect film before returning to the Croisette seems to be the right decision. “I would like to thank the Cannes Film Festival for including my film. It has been 20 years since I had the pleasure of returning to the Croisette. I waited for the right moment and I am proud to be able to say that this time has come. ‘Horizon, An American Saga’ is a story that began 35 years ago and I cannot dream of a better place than the Cannes Film Festival to reveal to the world the result of such a beautiful adventure.

“French people always supported films and believed deeply in cinema as much as I believe deeply in my film.”

With three Golden Globe wins — for “Dances With Wolves,” “Hatfields & McCoys” and “Yellowstone” — and three other nominations, the actor can feel safe in the knowledge that this Western will certainly  be noticed during the upcoming awards season.

An emotional Costner was moved to tears by the end of the screening due to the reaction from the enthusiastic audience on the Croisette. He has returned in full force, wearing many hats as actor, screenwriter, and most importantly, director.

“No one in Hollywood was enthusiastic about making these films. They said, ‘Let’s do one and see how it goes. Nobody does two, Kevin. Why are you doing four?’ ” the actor-director said during the official press conference for the film, explaining that “Horizon” is the first installment in a four-part franchise.

“So, at one point, I just said, ‘OK, I’ll do it myself.’ I mortgaged my property and I raised the money” — a reported $100 million. “No more excuses,” he shrugs. “These are my decisions. If you don’t like it, you can come and complain to me.”

With all the naysayers in Hollywood who scoffed at the idea of a multipart Western, Costner can breathe a well-deserved sigh of relief: His multimillion-dollars risk paid off.