Denzel Washington is standing his ground.
The Oscar-winning actor appeared to get into a small confrontation with photographers while on the red carpet for the May 19 premiere of his film Highest 2 Lowest during the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival.
Prior to the exchange, captured on video, Denzel, 70, was talking to costar A$AP Rocky as a line of photographers appear to call their names. As director Spike Lee walked over to speak to the rapper, Denzel turned his attention to a photographer before walking in his direction and seemed to have a heated conversation with him as the photographer appeared to laugh and grab his arm.
The Equalizer star then appears to mouth the words, “stop it, stop it” while pointing at one photographer directly, before he is seen releasing his arm and walking away.
E! News has reached out to a rep for the actor but has not heard back.
The small snafu on the carpet didn’t stop the Training Day star from being celebrated for his work in cinema and flashing a smile. Inside the theater, Denzel, Spike and A$AP all earned a standing ovation for their work in the film, which marks Denzel and Spike’s first collaboration in almost 20 years.
However, it was a surprise presentation of an honorary Palme d’Or to Denzel that left him emotional. The honor, which was met by another standing ovation as it was presented to the actor from his longtime friend and collaborator has only been given to 21 other recipients for their celebrated work in film. (Robert de Niro was presented with the honor during day one of the festival May 13).
“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,” Denzel, who has worked with Spike on five films over the years, told the crowd. “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.
