Denzel Washington skipped the press event for Highest 2 Lowest at Cannes Film Festival after a tense moment with a photographer on the red carpet. He was caught on camera pointing a finger at him.
He had flown in to promote the film, directed by Spike Lee, but ended up missing the press conference the next morning. It’s unclear if he stayed in France.
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Cannes had adjusted its schedule to fit around his travel from New York, where he’s also performing Othello on stage.
Denzel stuns Cannes crowd with red carpet clash
During the film’s premiere, things got awkward when Denzel had a heated exchange with a photographer. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman later claimed the actor was triggered when the photographer tapped him on the arm.
Turning to the group, Denzel said, “Hey, one – one more time, stop. Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.”
He pointed his finger right in the photographer’s face, but the guy didn’t seem to take it seriously. He just stood there grinning.
Denzel kept going: “I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
Freeman said the photographer laughed it off and replied, “Not allowed,” before adding, “Yes, yes, yes.”
That only seemed to frustrate Denzel more. And when the photographer reached out again and asked, “Can I take a picture?”, Denzel didn’t hold back.
He brushed the grab off and yelled, “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
Spike Lee addresses the incident with a pointed remark
At the press conference, Spike Lee seemed to hint at what happened. He said, “The last time I was in this room, I had to apologize for a fk up, but I won’t be apologizing today for a fk up.”
Denzel skips the big press conference
The rest of the cast showed up for the press conference, but Denzel didn’t. No official reason was given, but his absence came right after the red carpet moment.
Spike Lee says this may be their final film together
Spike revealed he doesn’t think he and Denzel will team up again. They’ve made several films together, like Malcolm X and Inside Man.
He said, “Denzel and I didn’t know that our previous film, Inside Man, was 18 years ago. We were surprised because it felt like yesterday. But we didn’t miss a step.
“It’s been a blessing to have this body of work of us doing films that the people love. It’s a blessing, again. I don’t know if we’re going to do it again.
“I think this is it. Five [films]. He’s [Denzel] been talking about retirement, even though he just did another deal.”
Cannes changed its schedule for Denzel
Festival organizers made adjustments to help Denzel attend, since he had limited availability with his New York stage show. Still, no one really knows if he stuck around after the screening.
The honorary award moment changes the mood
Later, Denzel was honoured with a surprise Palme d’Or from Spike Lee. Spike said, “This is my brother, right here.” Denzel replied, “This is a total surprise for me!”
He posed for photos with Spike and A$AP Rocky before reportedly heading back to New York.
The film’s Cannes journey wasn’t straightforward
Highest 2 Lowest wasn’t in the original Cannes lineup. But hours after the announcement, Spike revealed it would be screening.
Festival reps said they were waiting on confirmation from Denzel before locking it in.
Denzel has a history of tense moments with fans
In October 2024, Denzel had a run-in with autograph seekers outside a New York film event. He looked annoyed and walked away but then turned back to confront one of the fans.
He pointed and said, “I heard you. You talk about showing love…” “…Respecting me” the fan said, “we already do.”
Denzel replied, “I said I’ll see you when I get out, which part of that don’t y’all understand? It’s about showing love.” Then he raised his voice and said, “or not, or not! we can do it another way… or not, we can do it both ways!”
Then he went inside.
Despite the tense moments, Denzel still got plenty of love at Cannes
Everyone was thrilled when Spike Lee surprised him with the honorary Palme d’Or, calling him “my brother” as the crowd cheered.
Denzel looked genuinely moved and grateful, and honestly, that moment said a lot more than any red carpet drama.
A legend through and through. Class, talent, and heart. Always Denzel.