The 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, was supposed to be all glitz and glamour for Denzel Washington, who was there for the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, his latest team-up with Spike Lee. But the red carpet got heated when the 70-year-old Hollywood legend had a run-in with a photographer who apparently grabbed his arm, stealing the spotlight from his big night. The moment, caught on video, has everyone talking about Denzel’s no-nonsense vibe and the chaos of Cannes’ star-packed scene.
What Went Down
It all kicked off while Denzel was posing for pics with Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky for Highest 2 Lowest, a gritty New York remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low. While chatting with Lee, Denzel got tapped—or grabbed—on the arm by a photographer trying to snag his attention, according to Page Six. That didn’t sit right with the Training Day star, who spun around, pointed a finger, and firmly said, “Stop it, stop it, stop it,” as seen in footage shared by the New York Post. The photographer, grinning like he was trying to play it cool, grabbed Denzel’s arm again, which led to the actor pulling away and doubling down on his warning. A lip-reading expert told DailyMail.com(via Deadline) that Denzel also said, “Never put your hands on me again,” making it clear he wasn’t here for the disrespect.
This isn’t Denzel’s first time clapping back. Last October, he had words with pushy autograph seekers in New York, saying, “I got nothing but love, but respect me,” per TMZ. Cannes’ red carpet, with its swarm of shouting photographers, cranks that pressure up to 11, and this photographer’s move clearly crossed a line. Some folks think the guy was fishing for a dramatic shot, which isn’t uncommon in the festival’s frenzy.
A Big Night, Despite the Drama
The dust-up didn’t overshadow Denzel’s huge moment at Cannes. Right before the Highest 2 Lowest screening, festival boss Thierry Frémaux surprised him with an honorary Palme d’Or, a rare award handed out just 21 times in the festival’s history. Spike Lee, his longtime friend and director, presented it, saying, “This is my brother right here. I love him.” Denzel, visibly touched, told the crowd, “This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional. … It’s a great opportunity to work with my brother again—brother from another mother, Spike.” He even cracked a joke about how lucky they are to “make movies, wear tuxedos, dress up, and get paid for it.” The film itself, backed by A24 and Apple, got a six-minute standing ovation, with critics raving about Denzel’s powerhouse performance alongside Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, and A$AP Rocky.
Skipping the Press Conference
The next day, Denzel was a no-show at the Highest 2 Lowest press conference at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, which had some wondering if the red carpet clash was still on his mind. He’s got a packed schedule, starring as Othello on Broadway, so Cannes reportedly worked around his tight availability. At the press conference, Spike Lee kept things light, saying, “Last time I was in this room, I had to apologise for a f**k up, but I won’t be today,” possibly nodding to the drama. He also got real about their collaboration, noting their last film, Inside Man, was 18 years ago, and hinted this might be their final go, saying, “He’s been talking about retirement.”
Fans Have Denzel’s Back
The viral clip of the incident has fans firmly in Denzel’s corner, saying he was right to set boundaries. The photographer’s repeated grabbing, even after Denzel’s clear “stop,” rubbed people the wrong way. It’s a bit like when Kelly Rowland called out a security guard at Cannes in 2024—sometimes stars have to draw a line. Denzel’s team brushed it off, with a rep telling People, “It was a great evening,” focusing on the Palme d’Or and the film’s warm reception. Still, the moment’s got folks talking about how intense red carpets can get, with some suggesting photographers push buttons on purpose for a viral shot.
What’s Next
Highest 2 Lowest is already generating Oscar buzz for Denzel, with a theatrical release set for August 22, 2025, and streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5. The film’s raw take on success and struggle in New York’s streets looks like another win for the Denzel-Spike duo. The red carpet scuffle was just a blip in an otherwise epic night, but it’s a reminder that even a legend like Denzel has his limits. One thing’s for sure: he’s still got that commanding presence, on-screen and off.