Denzel Washington Becomes The New Reciever of Palme d’Or
Denzel Washington shone at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where he was honored with the Palme d’Or. The award came as a surprise before the premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest.”
On Monday, the two-time Academy Award winner returned to the famed Croisette for the “Highest 2 Lowest premiere.” His latest collaboration is with director and longtime creative partner Spike Lee. The film boldly reinterprets Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime drama High and Low. It also stars rapper-turned-actor A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright.
Yet, before the curtain rose, the red carpet delivered a dose of real-life drama. As Washington greeted fans and posed alongside his co-stars, a red carpet photographer repeatedly tapped the actor’s arm. Thus, he tried to capture his attention. In widely circulated videos, the 70-year-old star turns from Lee and Rocky to address the photographer firmly. So, Denzel Washington pointed his finger with a visible expression of disapproval. He offered a stern warning, and when the same photographer reached out once more. Thus, the actor swatted the hand away with a sharp “Stop it.”
Denzel Washington and Palme d’Or
However, the confrontation didn’t dim the spotlight on what became a celebratory evening for the Hollywood icon. Just moments later, Washington was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or. Thus, it made him only the 23rd recipient in Cannes history to receive the distinction. Presented by Spike Lee and Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux, the award recognizes Washington’s exceptional contributions to global cinema.
“This is my brother right here,” said an emotional Lee as he handed over the golden palm. “I love him. I love him.”
Clearly moved, Washington received a standing ovation from the Cannes crowd. “This was a total surprise for me,” he said, addressing the audience. “We’re just blessed beyond measure. I’m blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
It marked a full-circle moment for Washington, whose last visit to Cannes was in 1993 for Much Ado About Nothing. In a statement shared the following day, a representative for Denzel Washington described the night as “a great evening at the Cannes Film Festival.”
Highest 2 Lowest, set to hit theaters August 22, sees Washington portraying a powerful music mogul whose life unravels when he’s targeted in a dangerous ransom scheme. The film co-stars Ilfenesh Hadera and Jeffrey Wright, with Lee’s signature storytelling at the helm.
With a legendary career spanning decades — and now Cannes’ highest honor under his belt — Denzel Washington remains one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, as unshakable as ever.
