Denzel Washington Confronts Photographer at Cannes Red Carpet Over Aggressive Behavior

Denzel Washington yells at photographer on Cannes red carpet after being grabbed, then receives surprise Palme d'Or award.

Denzel Washington shouted at a photographer during Cannes over aggressive conduct, sparking headlines at the film premiere.

 

Cannes, France — Actor Denzel Washington was involved in a heated moment at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during the red carpet premiere of "Highest 2 Lowest," directed by Spike Lee.

 

The Oscar-winning actor, 70, was walking the red carpet alongside director Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky when a photographer reportedly grabbed him to get his attention. The unexpected physical contact appeared to provoke a strong reaction from Washington, who pointed at the photographer and repeatedly shouted, “Stop!”

 

Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated when the photographer laughed in Washington’s face and then grabbed his arm as the actor tried to walk away. Washington quickly pulled his arm free and forcefully reiterated his demand for the photographer to back off.

 

Despite the tense moment, Washington remained composed for the rest of the evening and did not allow the incident to overshadow the occasion. The actor later received an honorary Palme d'Or inside the theater in a surprise presentation by Spike Lee and Cannes Festival chief Thierry Frémaux.

 

The tribute included a video montage of Washington’s storied career, honoring his decades of work in film. Washington was visibly emotional as he accepted the award and expressed deep gratitude to the audience.

 

“Highest 2 Lowest,” scheduled for an August 22 theatrical release, is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low.” Washington stars as David King, a corporate executive caught in a kidnapping mix-up. The film will also stream on Apple TV+ in September.