The seventh day of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival delivered everything the world has come to expect from its iconic red carpet: glamour, high fashion, cinematic legends—and unexpected drama. But no moment drew more gasps or headlines than Denzel Washington’s sudden clash with a photographer, followed by an emotional twist that left the actor stunned and honored.

A Night of Premieres and Provocation

On May 19, Cannes was abuzz with major premieres, including Highest to Lowest by Spike Lee, Splitsville by Michael Angelo Covino, and Alpha by Julia Ducournau. All eyes were on the red carpet as legendary director Spike Lee arrived arm-in-arm with his ensemble cast for Highest to Lowest, including longtime collaborator Denzel Washington, musician-actor A$AP Rocky, actress Ilfenesh Hadera, and Jeffrey Wright.

The crime thriller, inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low but set in modern-day New York, marks the fifth cinematic reunion between Lee and Washington. In it, Washington plays a sharp-eared music mogul who becomes entangled in a high-stakes kidnapping plot.

Unexpected Outburst on the Carpet

However, the glamour was interrupted by a moment of tension that shocked bystanders and sent the internet into a frenzy.

While chatting with Spike Lee and preparing to greet A$AP Rocky, Denzel Washington was approached by a photographer who aggressively grabbed his arm in an apparent attempt to get his attention. According to The New York Post, the uninvited contact caused Washington to pivot sharply and point directly in the man’s face, yelling, “Stop it!” in a commanding tone.

Instead of backing off, the photographer reportedly smiled mockingly, escalating the tension. As Washington attempted to walk away, the same individual again grabbed at him—prompting the Oscar-winning actor to forcefully pull away and repeat his warning, clearly agitated.

Security quickly intervened, but the uncomfortable exchange left many onlookers stunned. What should have been a celebratory entrance briefly turned into a viral red carpet confrontation.

From Chaos to Honor: Cannes Responds

But the story didn’t end there. In a gesture that caught even Washington by surprise, the Cannes Film Festival organization turned the narrative on its head.

Just minutes before the premiere of Highest to Lowest, Festival Director Thierry Frémaux entered the theater and took the stage with an unannounced tribute: the presentation of an honorary Palme d’Or to Denzel Washington.

The announcement drew a standing ovation.

Frémaux praised Washington for his “decades of excellence, dignity, and fearless performances that have transcended genre and geography.” Spike Lee, visibly emotional, joined Washington on stage and embraced him.

“This is my brother,” Lee said. “I love him. And I’m so glad the world still does, too.”

Denzel’s Reaction: Emotion Overcomes Tension

Visibly moved, Washington took the microphone and delivered a heartfelt response:

“I didn’t see this coming. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with my brother Spike again. We are lucky—lucky to make films, lucky to wear tuxedos, lucky to be paid to tell stories. What a blessing this all is.”

The tribute, juxtaposed against the earlier red carpet incident, became the emotional climax of the night—reminding audiences and fellow stars of the depth of respect Washington commands in the industry.

More Highlights from Day 7

The day also saw the vibrant premiere of Splitsville, a comedy about love, divorce, and chaotic friendship, starring Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, and Kyle Marvin. Johnson lit up the red carpet and received a six-minute standing ovation in the Palais des Festivals.

Later that evening, acclaimed French director Julia Ducournau—who shocked Cannes in 2021 with Titane—returned with Alpha, a coming-of-age drama set in the late 1980s. The film explores puberty, mother-daughter tensions, and the shadow of the AIDS crisis, with a cast led by Emma Mackey, Golshifteh Farahani, Tahar Rahim, and Finnegan Oldfield.

Also making appearances were Rihanna and A$AP Rocky (whose presence stirred curiosity thanks to his role in Highest to Lowest), Jason Momoa and Adria Arjona walking as a couple, former model and singer Carla Bruni, and soccer star Paul Pogba.

A Night of Contrasts—and Cinema at Its Rawest

In one evening, Cannes offered the full spectrum of drama—both scripted and unscripted. Denzel Washington’s moment of rage was caught on camera, but what followed reminded everyone why he’s revered: not just for his talent, but for his grace in recovering from the unexpected.

As the festival heads into its final stretch, it’s clear that the magic of Cannes lies not just in the movies themselves, but in the powerful, human moments that unfold under the flashbulbs. And for Denzel Washington, May 19 was a night that no script could have written better.