Denzel Washington found himself in an unexpected confrontation on the Cannes red carpet this week as he became involved in a tense exchange with a photographer at the premiere of his new film, Highest 2 Lowest.
The actor, 70, was captured on video pointing directly at the individual and saying “Stop it!” after appearing visibly irritated by being tapped on the arm while posing for photos alongside co-star A$AP Rocky.
Though the man appeared to shrug off the moment with a smile, Washington made it clear he did not appreciate the unsolicited contact.
The clip quickly spread on social media, where fans rallied in support of the double Oscar winner.
The way Denzel Washington handled that situation at #cannes is how everyone in the film community should moving forward deal with ppl who come at us trashing our favorite movies and or actors. Telling us our opinions are wrong if we like a movie or not. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/6BSztZlabx
— The Patric (@ThePatricIsReal) May 19, 2025
“Idk what happened but I know Denzel is in the right,” wrote one user on X, while another added: “The dude was touching him. I guarantee that’s why he was pissed, I would be too. Good man.”
A third commented: “I don’t get that stuff. These folks are around people all day, every day grabbing at them and asking them for stuff. Not a life I’d ever want, I see stuff like how Denzel reacted and I give him a total pass.”
“You can clearly see Denzel say 'do not put your hands on me' and then the guy does it again. What a clown,” a fourth claimed.
Despite the flash of tension, the evening went on to deliver a major surprise. Washington, in Cannes for just one day—his only break from a New York stage run of Othello—was honoured with an unannounced lifetime achievement Palme d’Or, presented by longtime collaborator and Highest 2 Lowest director Spike Lee.
“This is my brother, right here,” Lee said on stage, as he handed the award to a visibly moved Washington.
“This is a total surprise for me!” the actor replied, holding the Palme as the audience applauded.
The film, which was absent from the official Cannes schedule until the last minute, is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low.
Backed by Apple and A24, the project will arrive in cinemas on August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5.
Highest 2 Lowest also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and A$AP Rocky.
