Denzel Washington confronted a paparazzo for unwanted touch on the Cannes 2025 red carpet. Despite the tense moment, he stayed composed and later received the Palme d'Or
In Pic: Denzel Washington (Pic-X)
Actor Denzel Washington received a big surprise after he was rewarded with the prestigious honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes 2025. The actor was present at the film festival to attend the screening of his film Highest 2 Lowest. Before being rewarded with the honorary award, Washington walked the red carpet, where he encountered an unpleasant moment when a photographer tried to make unwanted physical contact with him.
Denzel Washington confronted the photographer
It was when Denzel was walking the red carpet with A$AP Rocky and Spike Lee. During their time on the carpet, when Denzel was speaking to Lee, a photographer tried to turn him around to click his pictures. This didn’t sit well with the star. Denzel then confronted the cameraperson for his behaviour and asked him to back off. While the photographer smiled and tried to re-engage, Washington created a clear boundary and asked him to stop it. Despite the tense moment on the red carpet, Washington appeared composed during the film premiere.
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
Internet reacts
The clip of the exchange is now going viral, and fans are supporting Washington for his appropriate yet composed behaviour. One wrote, "The way Denzel Washington handled that situation at #Cannes is how everyone in the film community should, moving forward, deal with people who come at us trashing our favourite movies and/or actors. Enough is enough!" Another comment reads, "The paps are incredibly out of touch with real human emotions. They’ve got zero patience—too wild. Love Denzel Washington. He’s so real. Like, calm down. Especially at this stage of his career. He’s tired of their childish behaviour. The GOAT on and off screen." Meanwhile, one wrote, "Some media reports say he 'erupted'. If that’s what media thinks is an eruption, they are a little too soft."
Denzel Washington honoured with Palme d'Or
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Washington was honoured with the prestigious honorary Palme d'Or, a special award given to celebrate his long and successful career in cinema. The unexpected moment happened just before the screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee. Cannes Festival director Thierry Frémaux presented the award. This makes Washington the 22nd person to ever receive the honour.
The award came as a surprise, unlike the one given earlier this year to Robert De Niro, which was announced ahead of the festival. Since the honorary Palme d'Or was introduced in 2002, it has been given to some of the most respected names in the film world. Past recipients include Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Michael Douglas, Meryl Streep, and George Lucas. In 2022, Tom Cruise was also surprised with the award.
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