Cannes Honors Denzel Washington Before Spike Lee Premiere/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Denzel Washington received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes during the premiere of Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. The actor flew in from Broadway to attend the event. Festival director Thierry Frémaux and Spike Lee presented the award.
Cannes Honors Denzel Quick Looks
- Denzel Washington honored with surprise Palme d’Or at Cannes.
- The award came before the premiere of Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.
- Washington flew in from Broadway, where he’s starring in Othello.
- Spike Lee called Washington “my brother” while presenting the award.
- Rihanna attended the premiere, walking the carpet with A$AP Rocky.
- Cannes adjusted its schedule to accommodate Washington’s one-day trip.
- Cannes previously gave surprise honorary Palmes to Tom Cruise and others.
- Festival officials waited to confirm Washington’s attendance before finalizing the lineup.
- Highest 2 Lowest hits theaters Aug. 22 via A24, streaming Sept. 5 on Apple TV+.
- Washington appeared energized, posed with cast, and left before the screening.
Deep Look: Denzel Washington Gets Surprise Palme d’Or at Cannes Premiere of ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
CANNES, France — May 20, 2025 — In a moment that stunned the crowd at the Cannes Film Festival, Denzel Washington was awarded a surprise honorary Palme d’Or on Monday evening, just before the world premiere of Spike Lee’s highly anticipated new film, Highest 2 Lowest.
Washington, currently starring in Broadway’s Othello, flew to France for just one day—his only day off from performing—to attend the premiere. In a rare break from protocol, Cannes adjusted its schedule to accommodate his whirlwind visit.
A Festival Surprise, Delivered by a Friend
Just before the screening began, festival director Thierry Frémaux handed the honor to Lee, who then passed it to Washington, calling him “my brother.”
“This is a total surprise for me,” said Washington, visibly moved by the gesture.
The festival typically reserves one or two honorary Palme d’Ors per year. While Robert De Niro was formally announced as an honoree in advance this year, Cannes occasionally surprises recipients — as it did with Tom Cruise in 2022 during the Top Gun: Maverick premiere.
A Red Carpet Full of Stars
Adding another unexpected twist, Rihanna made a glamorous appearance at the premiere alongside partner A$AP Rocky. The singer, who recently revealed she’s expecting her third child, walked the red carpet following the screening.
Cannes also hosted an earlier-than-usual photo call for Highest 2 Lowest, allowing Washington to join Spike Lee and A$AP Rocky for pictures. Despite the long flight, Washington looked energized and engaged before heading out once the film began.
“He told me to tell you: Thank you for the love,” Lee said to the audience after the screening began. “He’s on Broadway doing Othello, so it really took a lot for him to fly here. Let’s give it up for Denzel Washington, please.”
Spike Lee Brings New York to Cannes
Spike Lee brought not only his film but also a slice of New York energy to the French Riviera. He appeared at the premiere dressed in Knicks orange and blue, donning a bold striped suit. After his remarks, he capped his speech with a loud cheer: “New York Knicks!”
Why Denzel’s Appearance Was Key to Cannes
Initially, Highest 2 Lowest wasn’t on Cannes’ official program when the lineup was first released. Festival insiders later revealed that the delay was due to uncertainty around Washington’s availability to walk the red carpet.
As soon as Lee confirmed the actor would attend, the film was added to the schedule. Representatives from Cannes noted they wanted the moment to reflect the film’s significance—and Washington’s involvement was pivotal.
About ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
Highest 2 Lowest is a modern remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low. The film, directed by Spike Lee, features Washington alongside A$AP Rocky in a fresh reimagining of the Japanese noir thriller.
The movie will be released in theaters by A24 on August 22, followed by a streaming debut on Apple TV+ on September 5.
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