Denzel Washington arrived at Cannes with fanfare and fire. But a brief clash on the red carpet nearly stole the spotlight from what was meant to be a night of celebration.
The acclaimed American actor, 70, was making his first-ever appearance at the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, his latest collaboration with longtime friend and director Spike Lee.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Washington appeared to have a tense exchange with a photographer. As he posed for cameras, one lensman seemed to grab his arm. Washington pulled away sharply, pointed at the man and, according to several videos shared online, repeated, “Stop it.”
Festival staff quickly intervened and ushered him along. The incident was brief, but enough to raise eyebrows.
Despite the awkward moment, the evening turned around when Washington was handed a surprise honorary Palme d’Or — Cannes’ highest honour — in recognition of his extraordinary career spanning over four decades.
“I had no idea. It’s a total surprise,” Washington reportedly told an audience member, holding back emotion. “I’m so emotional,” he added, according to a witness quoted by AFP.
The award was presented just before the screening of Highest 2 Lowest, which drew a star-studded crowd. Among them were the film’s co-star A$AP Rocky and his partner, Rihanna.
Cannes typically reserves such honours for dedicated ceremonies. But surprises are not unheard of — Harrison Ford received his own unexpected tribute in 2023.
Festival director Thierry Frémaux introduced a tribute reel celebrating Washington’s storied career. The montage featured unforgettable scenes from Malcolm X, Mo’ Better Blues, Glory, and Training Day — the last two having earned Washington his two Academy Awards.
Highest 2 Lowest is loosely inspired by High and Low, the 1963 classic by Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Early reviews were glowing.
The Hollywood Reporter called the film “sharp, stylish and bursting with energy.” The Guardian praised Washington’s performance as a powerful music mogul, describing him as “in magnificent form” with “grinning monarchical assurance.”
A$AP Rocky, in a supporting role, continues to grow his acting résumé, having also appeared in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, shown earlier this year at the Berlin Film Festival.
The cast brought flair to the red carpet. Lee wore an orange pinstripe suit, gold-rimmed glasses and a matching hat. A$AP Rocky showed off a custom gold dental grill.
While the evening wasn’t without its bumps, the focus ultimately returned to what mattered most: honouring one of cinema’s enduring legends.
And as the lights dimmed for the premiere, Washington — still visibly moved — took his seat to a standing ovation.
