Denzel Washington, 70, found himself in an unexpected red-carpet confrontation during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival premiere of Highest 2 Lowest. The Hollywood veteran was seen on video sternly warning a photographer who repeatedly grabbed his arm.
The viral moment Denzel Washington checked a photographer at Cannes
The tense moment unfolded while Washington was chatting with director Spike Lee. As A$AP Rocky approached, a photographer tried to get Washington’s attention by grabbing his arm.
Washington turned, pointed at the photographer, and firmly told him to stop.
Though the photographer nodded, he grabbed Washington again moments later.
Washington pulled away and clearly repeated, “Stop.”
Despite the disturbance, Washington continued with the evening, which included a surprise presentation of the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or — Cannes’ highest award.
His team described the night as “a great evening.”
What to know about his ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ movie
The incident occurred ahead of the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, an English-language crime thriller directed by Spike Lee. The film is a modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, itself based on the novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain.
Washington leads a diverse cast including Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, rapper A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice, who makes her acting debut.
The film, which explores themes of morality and justice, is set for theatrical release in the US on 22 August 2025, with a streaming release on Apple TV+ scheduled for 5 September 2025.
Everything to know about Cannes Film Festival 2025
This year marks the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, running from 13 to 24 May 2025.
French actress Juliette Binoche serves as jury president, while Laurent Lafitte hosts the opening and closing ceremonies. The festival began with the French comedy Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin.
Alongside Washington, actor Robert De Niro was also honoured with an Honorary Palme d’Or. Cannes has taken a strong humanitarian stance, issuing a statement condemning violence in Gaza after Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna was killed during an Israeli airstrike.
The festival’s official poster pays tribute to the 1966 Palme d’Or winner A Man and a Woman, reflecting its tradition of honoring cinema history while showcasing global talent.
Washington’s firm yet composed response at Cannes has since gone viral, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of this year’s event — a night that also celebrated his powerful return to the screen.