While Denzel Washington was overseas promoting his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, a tense run-in with paparazzi appeared to steal the spotlight. The Oscar-winning actor ultimately skipped the film’s scheduled press conference, leaving fans eager to know what really went down between Denzel and the photographer.

What Happened Between Denzel Washington and Paparazzi on the Cannes Red Carpet?

During the May 19, 2025, premiere of the film, Denzel was speaking with his Highest 2 Lowest costar A$AP Rocky on the red carpet as a line of photographers appeared to call their names for photos.

As director Spike Lee approached the scene, Denzel walked toward the photographers and appeared to engage in a heated confrontation. One photographer was seen laughing and grabbing his arm, prompting the Remember the Titans star to seemingly mouth the words, “Stop it, stop it,” while pointing directly at the man. Moments later, Denzel released his arm and walked away.

According to expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman, he believed the actor was set off by the photographer “tapping on his arm,” per the Daily Mail. He also believed that the surrounding photographers didn’t understand the severity of the situation as many “were smiling, suggesting that they may not have realized how upset he was.”

Denzel Washington’s Representative Spoke Out After the Cannes Paparazzi Incident

Despite the drama at the Highest 2 Lowest premiere, Denzel’s rep confirmed it didn’t ruin the special night. “It was a great evening,” his rep told E! News in a statement on May 20, 2025.

Once in the theater, the actor — who reunited with Spike for the first time in 20 years — was celebrated for his talents and was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or by the legendary director.

“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m emotional. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again, brother from another mother, and to be here once again in Cannes,” the Training Day star told the crowd as he accepted his award. “We’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up 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.”

Denzel was later absent from the Cannes Film Festival press conference on May 20, 2025, where Spike and actors Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera answered questions about the film. The actor was expected to fly back to New York following the screening.

His absence had been planned in advance and was not related to the incident with the photographer.

His rep told Us Weekly that Denzel was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday,” as it was his only day off from his Othello run on Broadway.

“The studio and festival were aware weeks ago, ahead of time, that he would not be available for the press conference today due to his work commitment on the play,” his rep told the outlet.