Denzel Washington Clashes With Photographer at Cannes Red Carpet

The Oscar winner lost his cool after being grabbed by a photographer at the premiere of "Highest 2 Lowest."

May 19, 2025

A group of men in suits and ties are engaged in a lively conversation, surrounded by photographers. The scene appears to be at a formal event.

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Denzel Washington appeared to get into a heated confrontation with a photographer on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

As seen in footage making the rounds online, the actor was grabbed by a photographer trying to get his attention while speaking with director Spike Lee and co-star ASAP Rocky at the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest.

The unexpected arm grab seemingly caught him off guard and made him visibly upset.

Washington confronted the photographer and was seen pointing his finger at the man, who was laughing throughout the exchange.

When he turned to leave, the photographer grabbed his arm again and made Washington forcefully pull away.

“Stop it!” he appeared to shout. Fortunately the rest of the evening went more smoothly.

Just before the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, Washington was presented with the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the festival.

“This is a total surprise for me so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all,” Washington told the crowd, per People. “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike.”

He continued, "To be here once again in Cannes, you know, 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," which made some laugh in the crowd. "You know, we're just blessed beyond measure, I'm blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you."