Denzel Washington made headlines at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for an unexpected moment on the red carpet that captured attention. The 69-year-old attended the premiere of his co-star, Spike Lee’s new movie, Highest 2 Lowest, on Monday, May 19. Washington arrived at the festival wearing a classic black tuxedo, looking calm.
He was seen speaking with director Spike Lee while fellow cast member A$AP Rocky approached. However, as the trio interacted near the line of photographers, a brief but heated altercation between Washington and a photographer erupted, shifting the attention of others to them. After this moment, Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or.
Denzel Washington at the 2025 Cannes
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While the trio was still standing, one photographer stepped out from behind the barricade and appeared to reach for Washington, seemingly to get his attention physically. The move did not sit well with the two-time Oscar winner. Washington turned, raised his hand, and firmly confronted the individual. He told the man to “stop,” repeating the word multiple times as the photographer laughed.
As Washington moved away, the same photographer appeared to make contact again, grabbing his arm. Washington was irritated this time, so he responded by pointing his finger at the photographer and telling him to “stop.” Security personnel and festival staff swiftly controlled the situation, allowing the actor to continue into the festival.
A surprise Palme d’Or honor
Later that evening, festival director Thierry Frémaux took the stage just before the screening of Highest 2 Lowest, with an announcement. “In cinema, there are artists, and then there are legends,” Frémaux told the crowd. He continued, noting that they were about to surprise Washington in a way he had not expected. Spike Lee also joined him on stage, giving a heartfelt tribute.
Catching Denzel Washington off guard, the festival presented him with an honorary Palme d’Or, one of its highest accolades. The audience rose in a standing ovation, echoing the respect and admiration that has followed his decades-long career. After receiving the award with humility, “This was a complete surprise,” he said, acknowledging the audience, his longtime friend Spike Lee, and the entire cast of Highest 2 Lowest.