At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, a tense encounter unfolded between acclaimed actor Denzel Washington and a photographer during the red carpet premiere of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked discussions about celebrity boundaries and professional conduct in public events.
According to reports, the confrontation began when a photographer reached out and grabbed Washington’s arm, seemingly to get his attention for a photograph. Washington, visibly displeased, turned to the photographer and, as interpreted by lip reader Jeremy Freeman, said, “Hey, one – one more time, stop. Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again. I’m talking to you, stop, all right.” Despite Washington’s clear admonition, the photographer reportedly laughed and responded dismissively, further aggravating the situation.
Body language expert Dr. Beth Dawson analyzed the exchange, noting that Washington’s reaction was a controlled assertion of personal boundaries. She observed that his finger-pointing and firm stance were indicative of someone reclaiming personal space after an unwanted intrusion. Dr. Dawson emphasized that while Washington’s response appeared aggressive, it was a measured reaction to the photographer’s provocative behavior.
The incident led Washington to skip the subsequent press conference for Highest 2 Lowest, leaving director Spike Lee and co-stars to field questions. Lee, addressing the media, subtly referenced the altercation, stating, “The last time I was in this room, I had to apologize for a f–k up. But I won’t be apologizing today for a f–k up.” He further hinted that this film might be his final collaboration with Washington, who has been contemplating retirement.
Despite the earlier tension, the evening concluded on a positive note. During the film’s premiere, Spike Lee surprised Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or, celebrating their longstanding partnership. An emotional Washington expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom … .”
Highest 2 Lowest, a modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, features Washington as a music mogul entangled in a moral dilemma following a kidnapping. The film, also starring A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, and Ilfenesh Hadera, is set for theatrical release on August 22, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5.
The red carpet incident has reignited conversations about the treatment of celebrities in public spaces and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. While Washington has not publicly addressed the confrontation, the episode serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face in maintaining their personal space amid constant media attention.
