Denzel Washington's Rep Speaks Out After Heated Exchange at Cannes

Following a heated exchange with a photographer on the red carpet during the premiere of his latest film Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival May 19, the Oscar winner's rep confirmed that the moment didn't ruin his night. In fact, his rep told E! News in a statement May 20, “It was a great evening.

Denzel Washington had a brief heated exchange with a photographer during the May 19 premiere of his new film Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival. The incident occurred when a photographer attempted to grab his arm, prompting Denzel to respond firmly, saying “Stop it, stop it,” and pulling his arm away. Despite the tense moment, his representative confirmed it didn’t spoil the evening, calling it “a great evening.” Denzel, 70, attended the event with director Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky.

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Denzel Washington had a brief confrontation with a photographer on the red carpet after being grabbed. Despite the incident, the evening remained a highlight for the Oscar winner. Inside the theater, Washington was honored with a surprise honorary Palme d’Or, presented by longtime collaborator Spike Lee. Overcome with emotion, Denzel reflected on their 20-year reunion and expressed deep gratitude for his career and the privilege of filmmaking, calling the experience a blessing “beyond measure.”