Denzel Washington Explodes at Photographer on Cannes Red Carpet — Then Gets Surprise Palme d'Or

Denzel Washington Explodes at Photographer on Cannes Red Carpet — Then Gets Surprise Palme d'Or.

Things got heated on the Cannes red carpet Monday night — and at the center of it all? Denzel Washington.

The Oscar-winning actor, 70, was attending the premiere of his new film Highest 2 Lowest when he was caught on video lashing out at a pushy photographer. What started as a glamorous stroll down the carpet turned into an unexpectedly tense confrontation — one that ended with shouting, arm-flinging, and Washington storming off in frustration.

The Moment It All Unraveled

Washington was walking the red carpet with co-star A$AP Rocky and longtime collaborator Spike Lee when a photographer reportedly tapped him on the arm to get his attention. Big mistake.

The actor immediately turned to the man, pointed a finger inches from his face, and yelled, “Stop it!” But instead of backing off, the photographer — oddly smiling through it — touched Washington again.

That’s when the gloves came off.

Washington knocked the man’s hand away, raised his voice, and shouted “Stop it! Stop it!” again, before turning on his heel and marching away from the wall of photographers.

And just like that, the internet had its next viral red carpet moment.

Not the First Time Washington’s Lost Patience

If this feels familiar, it’s because it kind of is. Washington has had a few run-ins with fans and photographers in recent years — moments that show he’s got a very clear boundary when it comes to personal space.

Back in October 2024, he was caught on video snapping at autograph hunters outside New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The event was supposed to be a feel-good tribute to Samuel L. Jackson, but outside the venue, Washington’s tone changed. At one point, he told a fan, “I heard you. You talk about showing love… or not. We can do it another way!”

And in 2021, he had a tense exchange with a fan trying to get memorabilia signed. The actor appeared to give the man a serious talk — even placing his hands on the guy’s shoulders and telling him to “say a prayer,” according to onlookers. That one ended calmly, but it showed another glimpse of Washington’s zero-tolerance approach to being crowded.

From Tension to Tears: A Surprise Palme d'Or

But just when the evening seemed to be spinning into scandal, Cannes flipped the script.

After the screening of Highest 2 Lowest, Spike Lee took to the stage and pulled off a heartwarming surprise: presenting Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or.

“This is my brother right here,” Lee said, his voice thick with emotion. “I love him, I love him. I’m glad you’re here where all the people love you too.”

Washington, visibly moved, took a deep breath and addressed the room: “This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional. But from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. We’re just blessed beyond measure.”

He added, “To be here once again in Cannes... we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and get paid for it. I’m blessed beyond measure.”

Quite the turnaround, to say the least.

Behind the Film: Highest 2 Lowest

Washington’s new film Highest 2 Lowest is a modern remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low. Directed by Spike Lee, the movie pairs Washington with A$AP Rocky in a gritty, suspense-filled story that’s already drawing buzz.

Interestingly, the film wasn’t on the original Cannes lineup. It was added at the last minute, reportedly after Washington confirmed he’d be making the trip — his only day off from performing Othello live in New York.

The movie hits theaters via A24 on August 22 and drops on Apple TV+ on September 5.

People Also Ask

Why did Denzel Washington yell at a photographer?
The photographer allegedly tapped Washington on the arm twice to get his attention, which the actor did not appreciate. Washington responded by shouting “Stop it!” and walking off.

Has Denzel Washington had public outbursts before?
Yes. He’s had previous tense encounters with autograph hunters and fans, particularly in 2024 and 2021, showing a pattern of reacting strongly when he feels boundaries are crossed.

What is Highest 2 Lowest about?
It’s a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky in a crime drama that mixes class, power, and suspense.

Why did Cannes honor Washington with a Palme d’Or?
The honorary Palme d’Or was a surprise tribute recognizing Washington’s legendary contributions to cinema, presented by Spike Lee during the festival.