Denzel Washington is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
He was pushed too far at a major event.
And Denzel Washington lost his cool after this disrespectful incident on the red carpet.
Photographer repeatedly grabbed Washington at the Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the movie business each year.
Stars walk the red carpet in glamorous outfits to promote their latest films.
But what should have been a triumphant night for Denzel Washington quickly turned sour when a photographer grabbed the actor multiple times.
Washington was speaking with longtime collaborator and friend director Spike Lee and rapper A$AP Rocky when the incident occurred.
Video footage shows the photographer repeatedly pulling on Washington’s arm, causing the normally composed actor to finally lose his patience.
Washington could be seen dressing the photographer down for the unwanted physical contact. But incredibly, even after being reprimanded, the photographer grinned and grabbed Washington’s arm yet again.
This time, Washington could be clearly heard shouting “Stop!” at the persistent photographer.
Denzel Washington appeared to have a tense exchange on the “Highest 2 Lowest” red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. 🎥: Getty pic.twitter.com/NirZELEloi
— New York Post (@nypost) May 19, 2025
The 70-year-old actor was at the festival for the screening of his latest movie, Highest to Lowest, a neo-noir crime thriller directed by Spike Lee that also stars A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, and rapper Ice Spice.
Washington was honored with a prestigious award at Cannes
Despite the unpleasant encounter with the photographer, Washington still had reason to celebrate at the festival. He was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or during the event, one of the highest honors in the film industry.
“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional,” Washington said during his acceptance speech. “But 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.”
Washington and Lee have previously worked together on several acclaimed films, including “Malcolm X,” which earned Washington an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
The actor went on to express his gratitude for being able to work in the film industry.
“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,” Washington continued. “You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”
In a statement to People magazine after the incident, Washington showed his characteristic class by focusing on the positive aspects of the evening rather than dwelling on the negative encounter.
“I had a great evening,” Washington told the magazine, choosing to highlight the celebration of his film and award rather than the photographer’s behavior.
Washington’s lengthy career spans over four decades
Denzel Washington has been a fixture in Hollywood since the early 1980s with his breakout role in the medical drama St. Elsewhere.
Over his 40-plus year career, Washington has earned numerous accolades including two Academy Awards. He won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day (2001).
Washington has also been nominated for an Oscar eight additional times, most recently for his performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth in 2022.
His partnership with Spike Lee has produced some of the most significant films in American cinema, including the aforementioned Malcolm X and Mo’ Better Blues.
Highest to Lowest marks their fifth collaboration together, continuing one of the most fruitful actor-director partnerships in Hollywood.
The incident at Cannes serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished and respected figures in the entertainment industry sometimes face disrespectful treatment.
Washington’s dignified response, focusing on the celebration of his work rather than the photographer’s actions, demonstrates why he remains one of Hollywood’s most admired personalities both on and off the screen.
