The Cannes Film Festival has always been a platform for unforgettable cinematic moments, but this year, one powerful scene unfolded before the cameras even started rolling.
Hollywood icon Denzel Washington arrived at the prestigious festival on May 19 to attend the premiere of his new film Highest 2 Lowest alongside co-star A$AP Rocky.
The evening started with the usual elegance expected at Cannes. Celebrities walked under the dazzling lights, flashing smiles as photographers scrambled for the perfect shot.
But something disrupted the rhythm of this glamour-filled affair.
While maneuvering through the crowd, Washington was approached by a photographer who appeared to tug at his jacket an act that quickly shifted the mood.
Though the cameras captured the heated moment, the words exchanged weren’t immediately clear.
That is, until lip reader Jeremy Freeman weighed in, analyzing footage of the tense interaction.
According to Freeman, Washington turned sharply to confront the photographer and said,
“Hey, one—one more time, stop. Let me tell you—stop, stop—never put your hands on me again.”
Washington then reportedly pointed his finger toward the photographer’s face and added,
“I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”
Despite the stern warning, Freeman claims the photographer laughed and replied,
“Not allowed.” He then mockingly repeated, “Yes, yes, yes,” further escalating tensions.
But what came next shocked many.
The photographer allegedly reached out again and asked,
“Can I take a picture?”
At that point, Washington’s frustration boiled over. Freeman says the actor shouted,
“Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”
Video of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from fans and public figures alike.
One viewer wrote,
“He clearly said ‘don’t ever put your hands on me again’ and the guy did it again just to provoke him. YUCK.”
Another added,
“People are constantly grabbing at them. I don’t blame Denzel at all. That’s not a life I’d want.”
A third user lightheartedly dubbed him,
“Denzel ‘UNHAND ME’ Washington lol.”
Despite the uncomfortable encounter, Washington remained composed and chose not to attend the next day’s press conference for the film. Director Spike Lee, who helmed Highest 2 Lowest, addressed the media in his absence, saying,
“The last time I was in this room, I had to apologize for a f* up, but I won’t be apologizing today for a f*** up.”**
But the night wasn’t over just yet.
In a surprising turn, Spike Lee presented Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or, one of the festival’s most prestigious accolades.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Washington told the audience,
“I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure.”
The upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest, inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and Lee. It’s set to premiere in theaters on August 22, followed by a release on Apple TV+ on September 5.
The Cannes incident serves as a vivid reminder that even Hollywood royalty have limits and Denzel Washington just reminded the world that respect must always come first.
Feature Image Credit: (Getty Images)
