Just when you thought Cannes couldn’t get more dramatic than the films premiering on-screen, enter Denzel Washington.
Discover our latest podcast
He reportedly clashed with one of the photographers at the festival while attending the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest on Monday. He said something in anger and pointed a finger at the face of one of the paps.
What did Denzel Washington say to the photographer at Cannes?
According to Daily Mail, an expert lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, revealed the Oscar-winning actor was provoked after the photographer tapped him on the arm—an action Washington clearly did not appreciate.
Footage from the event showed a visibly irritated Washington turning sharply to confront the photographer, sternly warning him:
Hey, one — one more time, stop. Let me tell you — stop, stop — never put your hands on meagain.
I’m talking to you, stop, all right.
Despite Washington's clear frustration, the cameraman remained seemingly unaware of the gravity of the actor's annoyance. He continued smiling and reportedly responded jokingly, saying, ‘Not allowed,’ before laughing and adding, ‘Yes, yes, yes.’
The situation escalated further when the same photographer continued trying to get Washington’s attention. As a result, Washington lashed out at the pap:
Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.
Interestingly, even during this tense confrontation, the surrounding photographers appeared largely oblivious. They maintained cheerful expressions as if misunderstanding the actor’s serious demeanour.
This incident isn’t the first occasion Washington has been embroiled in heated exchanges with photographers or fans. Back in October 2024, he was filmed snapping at autograph seekers in New York.
Cannes honours Denzel Washington with surprise Palme d'Or
Despite the earlier red carpet chaos, Washington's evening took a remarkably positive turn when he was honoured with a surprise honorary Palme d’Or.Reuters reported that Cannes organisers decided to bestow this prestigious honour upon Washington at the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, directed by his frequent collaborator, Spike Lee.
An astonished Washington accepted the accolade graciously. He admitted to the crowd:
This is a total surprise for me!
Lee, who presented the award, affectionately referred to Washington as ‘my brother,’ reflecting their close friendship and creative partnership spanning several decades.
The surprise was meticulously planned by Cannes organisers, who adjusted festival schedules specifically to accommodate Washington’s tight itinerary. The actor, currently performing Othello on Broadway, had travelled from New York to southern France, to be present for this special moment.
Read more:
Dakota Johnson on financial struggles before acting career took off: 'My dad cut me off'
Are Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas dating? Everything we know about their rumoured romance
Amber Heard announces birth of twin babies: 'I am elated beyond words'
Sources used:
Daily Mail: Revealed: What Denzel Washington yelled at photographer in tense red carpet showdown at Cannes Film Festival
Reuters: Denzel Washington receives surprise honorary Palme d'Or award at Cannes
