Denzel Washington Appears to Fight Back Against Pushy Cannes Photographer

Tensions appeared to rise between Denzel Washington and an insistent photographer on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest.” The actor stars in the film, marking his fifth collaboration with Lee, and this was his first appearance at Cannes since 1993’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Footage shared by the New York Post shows the two-time Oscar winner pointing a finger at a photographer and telling him to “stop.” As Washington approaches, the photographer attempts to laugh off the situation and places his hands on the actor’s arm. Washington pulls away and repeats his demand for the photographer to stop. Photographers at Cannes are known for being vocal as they compete for stars’ attention.

Washington’s evening improved once the “Highest 2 Lowest” premiere began. The actor received a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or from Lee before the screening. Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux also presented a montage of Washington’s films, including “Malcolm X” and “Mo Better Blues,” both directed by Lee, as well as his Oscar-winning roles in “Glory” and “Training Day.” 

“Highest 2 Lowest” was well-received at Cannes. The film earned a 5.5-minute standing ovation and received praise from Variety‘s critic Peter Debruge, who noted in his review: “It’s a film whose sensational third act more than justifies what might have seemed an unnecessary update.”

Directed by Lee, “Highest 2 Lowest” is an English-language remake of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low.” Lee’s version is set in modern-day New York and features Washington as a music mogul caught in a life-or-death ransom situation.

“Highest 2 Lowest” is scheduled for theatrical release on Aug. 22 and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting Sept. 5.