Denzel Washington had a tense exchange with a photographer on the red carpet Monday at the Cannes Film Festival during the debut of his future film “Highest 2 Lowest.” Despite the confrontation, Washington was later surprised with a rare honorary Palme d’Or and gave an emotional acceptance speech at the prestigious event.
According to the Daily Beast, the incident occurred during the world premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest,” which marks Washington’s first film with director Spike Lee in nearly two decades. As Washington made his way down the red carpet, a photographer reportedly attempted to get his attention by physically grabbing him. Washington responded by yelling at the photographer and demanding that he stop.
According to eyewitnesses, the photographer laughed off the initial confrontation and proceeded to grab Washington’s arm a second time. In response, Washington pointed his finger in the photographer’s face and firmly told him, “Stop it.” The situation escalated briefly before the event staff appeared to diffuse the moment. A representative for Washington did not respond to The Daily Beast when asked to comment on the altercation.
Though tensions ran high on the red carpet, the mood shifted dramatically later that day inside the festival hall. Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or, one of the highest distinctions awarded at Cannes and one that has only been presented 21 times throughout the festival’s 79-year history.
Receiving the award appeared to catch Washington off guard, and he addressed the crowd with an emotional and heartfelt speech. He spoke about the significance of the moment, as well as the joy of collaborating with Spike Lee once again. “This is a total surprise for me, so I’m emotional,” he said to the audience while holding the golden palm.
He went on to reflect on the privilege of being part of the filmmaking community. “It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again, brother from another mother, and to be here once again in Cannes,” Washington continued. “We’re just blessed beyond measure.”
“I’m blessed beyond measure,” he added. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.” Applause filled the room as the actor concluded his remarks, with leading industry figures celebrating his long-running impact on cinema.
Washington’s new film “Highest 2 Lowest” marks the fifth time he has teamed up with acclaimed director Spike Lee. Their creative partnership dates back to 1990, and past collaborations include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and “Inside Man.” Their latest joint effort adds a modern twist to a cinematic classic.
The film is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller “High and Low,” reimagined in English for contemporary audiences. The narrative features an ensemble cast, with Washington joined by actors Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and musical artists Ice Spice and A$AP Rocky. The film explores themes of social division and personal morality.
“Highest 2 Lowest” is set for theatrical release on August 22, bringing Washington’s return to a leading role on the big screen after a brief hiatus. With Lee at the helm, anticipation for the film has continued to grow, especially after the buzz surrounding its Cannes debut.
The red carpet confrontation drew widespread attention and reignited conversations about personal boundaries between celebrities and photographers in high-profile settings. Onlookers at the premiere noted Washington’s visible discomfort as the photographer approached him aggressively, sparking the altercation. Physical contact from the photographer appeared to cross a line that prompted Washington’s reaction.
Though no formal incident report was filed, the moment was captured on video by spectators and quickly circulated online. Some festival attendees voiced support for Washington, emphasizing the respect expected in professional interactions. Others speculated about the need for clearer boundaries and tighter regulations on red carpet coverage.
The Cannes Film Festival has long been known for its glamorous and sometimes unpredictable atmosphere. However, this particular episode highlighted the pressure and scrutiny actors face when attending major international events. The exchange between Washington and the photographer served as a reminder of the challenges celebrities encounter beyond the screen.
Although the red carpet incident took some attention away from the film’s premiere, Washington’s composure during the later proceedings helped redirect focus to his artistic achievements. The emotional speech and prestigious award helped end the evening on a celebratory note. Festival-goers left with a sense of appreciation for both the man and his work. As awards season predictions begin to take shape, some critics are already speculating that Washington’s performance in “Highest 2 Lowest” could garner further recognition.
With the August 22 release date approaching, audiences will soon have their opportunity to see the film that brought Washington and Lee back together on screen. Until then, the events at Cannes have ensured that both the altercation and the honor remain part of the conversation surrounding one of Hollywood’s most respected artists.
