Photo Credit:SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty
Denzel Washington is refusing to back down.
On the red carpet for the May 19 premiere of his film Highest 2 Lowest at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, the Oscar-winning actor seemed to have a brief altercation with photographers.
Before the interaction, which was caught on camera, Denzel, 70, was speaking with co-star A$AP Rocky while a line of photographers seemed to be calling their names. Denzel looked at a photographer before approaching the rapper as director Spike Lee approached to talk to him. The two appeared to have a heated exchange as the photographer seemed to giggle and grip Denzel's arm.
The Equalizer star then seems to point straight at one photographer while mouthing the words, stop it, stop it, before letting go of his arm and turning to leave.
Despite his minor gaffe on the red carpet, the Training Day star smiled and was praised for his contributions to the film industry. For their roles in the movie, which is Denzel and Spike's first joint project in nearly two decades, the three actors received a standing ovation inside the auditorium.
But what really moved Denzel was when he was unexpectedly given an honorary Palme d'Or. Only 21 other people have received the accolade for their acclaimed cinema work, and the actor received another standing ovation as his longtime friend and collaborator delivered it to him.
I'm emotional since this is completely unexpected for me. Denzel, who has collaborated with Spike on five films over the years, told the audience, It's a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother again, brother from another mother, and to be here again in Cannes.We're a pretty fortunate group in this room because we get to make movies, dress up, wear tuxedos, and get paid for it as well.”
“We’re just blessed beyond measure,” he added. “I’m blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”