Denzel Washington didn’t let one bad moment steal his glory.
Following a heated exchange with a photographer on the red carpet during the premiere of his latest film Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival May 19, the Oscar winner’s rep confirmed that the moment didn’t ruin his night.
In fact, his rep told E! News in a statement May 20, “It was a great evening.”
Denzel, 70, was joined by director Spike Lee and costar A$AP Rocky as they walked the red carpet ahead of the film’s premiere. Denzel began a conversation with A$AP before he was seen walking in the direction of a photographer who was trying to get his attention. The photographer appeared to grab Denzel’s arm, prompting him to point directly in his face while saying, “Stop it, stop it.”
At one point, the Training Day star yanked his arm away from the photographer, who continued to smile, before walking back towards his cast members.
Inside the theater, Denzel was celebrated for his role in the film—which reunited him with Spike for the first time in 20 years—and his storied career. Denzel was overcome with emotion as Spike—who previously worked with him on the films Mo' Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game and Inside Man—presented him with an honorary Palme d’Or.
“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,” the Equalizer star told the crowd as he fought back tears. “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 added. “I’m blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
Keep reading to see all the star sightings from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival…
Angelina Jolie
The actress shimmered in a strapless Brunello Cucinelli fall 2025 gown.
Kristen Stewart
The Twilight alum held on tight like a spider monkey at the Breaking Through The Lens event hosted by Campari.
Robert De Niro & Tiffany Chen
The Goodfellas actor walked the red carpet with his girlfriend of four years in matching black ensembles.
Eva Longoria
The Desperate Housewives alum dazzled on the red carpet in a metallic gold and black Tamara Ralph gown.
Alessandra Ambrosio
Green with envy! The Brazilian model dressed to impress in an emerald green Zuhair Murad gown.
Julia Garner
The Inventing Anna star brought a stark contrast to the bright red carpet with a shimmery, sheer black Gucci gown.
Barbara Palvin & Dylan Sprouse
The model and the Disney Channel alum was living the suite life at Campari's party during the film festival.
Juliette Binoche
The English Patient actress donned a buttery yellow jumpsuit from the Jacquemys Fall 2024 collection ahead of the film festival, where she served as jury president.
Heidi Klum & Tom Kaulitz
The model and her husband matched in all black while stepping out in Cannes ahead of the annual film event.
Bella Hadid
The Orebella founder debuted a new blond 'do while stepping out in all white ahead of the festival.
Jeremy Strong
The Succession alum looked chic sporting gray while posing for photogs.
Halle Berry
The Oscar winner waved to fans while rocking a gorgeous frilled ensemble ahead of the film festival.
Irina Shayk
The model posed with fans while out and about in the French city.
Andie MacDowell
The Groundhog Day actress was a vision in black when arriving in France.