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He has repeatedly denied that he is suffering from throat cancer.

And Val Kilmer was indeed looking healthier as he made a rare public appearance on Saturday.

The actor, 57, was seen smiling for the cameras as he joined a friend at a fancy cocktail party in Italy.

Looking healthy: Val Kilmer, 57, was seen smiling for the cameras as he joined publicist friend Tiziana Rocca at a fancy cocktail party in Italy

Val was pictured as he mixed with industry pros at the annual Filming In Italy Initiative festival, which aims to persuade filmmakers, producers and studios to consider shooting their next project in Italy. 

Tanned, with his thick hair brushed back off his face, it was clear the veteran actor was in a much better place than a year ago.

In December 2015 a thin and frail-looking Val cut a very different picture when he was spotted out, following neck surgery.

Val has denied numerous times over the past couple of years that he was suffering from throat cancer.

As he was: In December 2015 a thin and frail-looking Val cut a very different picture when he was spotted out following neck surgery

Most recently his denial was in response to a claim by his friend Michael Douglas.

In a Facebook post, Val wrote: 'I love Michael Douglas but he is misinformed. The last time I spoke to him was almost two years ago, when I asked him for a referral for a specialist to get a diagnosis for a lump in my throat.

'I ended up using a team at UCLA and have no cancer whatsoever. I still have a swollen tongue and am rehabbing steadily. 

'I've made 3 films in the last year, one of which I directed.'

As he was: Val as Iceman in Top Gun in 1986

And the Batman Forever star insisted: 'Some fans have mistakenly thought my silence about my personal issues meant that somehow I wasn't being responsible to my health, because of my reliance on prayer and Love. 

'Nothing could be further from the truth. Altho I am very grateful for all the support from around the world, when people found out I had a physical challenge.'

Val previously denied he had cancer in January 2015 after he started bleeding from the throat and was admitted to hospital. 

Writing on his Facebook page, he said: 'I am perfectly well folks. Thank you for all your love and support. I am having a grand time. And I should mention I do not have cancer or a tumor.'