Actor Denzel Washington was involved in a confrontation with a photographer on Monday, May 19, during the Cannes Film Festival, where he was attending the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee.

Washington, 70, had just arrived at the premiere and was speaking with Lee, 68, and fellow cast member A$AP Rocky, 36, when a photographer attempted to physically grab the actor to get his attention.

The action triggered a reaction from Washington, who approached the man and pointed at him while repeatedly shouting, “Stop.”

The photographer, who laughed off Washington’s warning, reportedly continued to provoke the actor.

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As Washington turned to walk away, the man grabbed his arm, leading to another sharp response.

“Stop it!” Washington shouted again as he pulled his arm away.

Witnesses said the actor appeared visibly agitated during the brief exchange.

Denzel Washington appeared to have a tense exchange on the "Highest 2 Lowest" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. : Getty pic.twitter.com/NirZELEloi

— New York Post (@nypost) May 19, 2025

The Post reported the altercation and noted that Washington’s representative had been contacted for comment but had not responded.

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Despite the incident, Washington continued with the evening’s scheduled events, which included a surprise presentation inside the theater.

Before the screening of Highest 2 Lowest, the festival honored Washington with an unexpected Palme d’Or tribute for his contributions to cinema.

Festival chief Thierry Frémaux presented the honorary award, noting that only Spike Lee had been informed in advance. “It’s a very special day,” Frémaux said.

“Denzel, because you are here, we want to make something special for you … it’s a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema.”

Lee joined Washington onstage to present the award, calling him “my brother” and telling the audience, “I love him, I love him. I’m glad you’re here where all the people love you too.”

The award caught Washington off guard. “This is a total surprise for me so I’m a little emotional,” he said.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike.”

Addressing the audience, Washington added, “To be here once again in Cannes, you know, 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, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”

The film Highest 2 Lowest is a thriller and English-language adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, which itself was based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom by Evan Hunter, writing under the name Ed McBain.

Washington stars as David King, a high-powered executive whose life is upended when a kidnapper mistakes the identity of his son and takes the child of his chauffeur, played by Jeffrey Wright. Aubrey Joseph plays King’s son in the film.

Highest 2 Lowest is set for theatrical release on August 22 and will be available to stream on Apple TV+ in September.

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