Denzel Washington reminded the world why he’s a Hollywood icon—handling a brief red carpet standoff with poise before receiving one of cinema’s highest honors at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Get this, the buzz started when a video surfaced of Washington in what looked like a heated moment with a photographer during the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, directed by his longtime collaborator, Spike Lee. Though the clip quickly made the rounds online, Washington didn’t let it throw off his evening.
According to a rep for the legendary actor, “It was a great evening.”
And it certainly was. The mood shifted later that night when Washington, 70, was caught off guard with a surprise honorary Palme d’Or—presented by Spike Lee himself. The moment brought the veteran actor to tears.
“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m emotional. 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 said, visibly moved.
When reflecting on his storied career and the privilege of filmmaking, he added, “We’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well.”
“We’re just blessed beyond measure,” he said. “I’m blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
Drama or not, Denzel walked away a winner, gracefully turning a viral moment into a night of unforgettable celebration.