At the May 19, 2025 Cannes premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, Denzel Washington objected after a photographer touched his arm, according to video coverage. The next day, Washington missed the film’s press conference, but his representative said that absence had been scheduled in advance around his Broadway commitments—not caused by the red-carpet exchange.
What happened on the Cannes red carpet?
Washington attended the premiere of Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025. Variety’s account of the video says a photographer put hands around Washington’s arm; Washington pulled away and told the photographer to stop. Variety’s report describes the footage, but does not establish what either person intended.
The Independent transcribed Washington as saying, “Stop, stop, never put your hands on me again.” That wording is the outlet’s transcription of the video, not an official transcript. The Independent’s account likewise frames the moment through the footage.
The available reporting does not identify the photographer or establish the person’s private intentions. The evidence supports describing Washington’s objection to being touched, not speculating about why the photographer made contact.
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What did Spike Lee say about the incident?
In a later interview with the Associated Press, Lee said Washington had been grabbed by the arm. Lee joked, “I wish I could’ve told that photographer: ‘Do not touch Denzel Washington or it’s going to be a (expletive) problem,’” according to AP.
Lee also picked up a recorder and delivered a mock public-service announcement: “Ladies and gentleman, this is a public service announcement. Do not put your hands on Mr. Denzel Washington. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Thank you very much.” These were Lee’s remarks to AP, not words spoken during the red-carpet exchange. Read AP’s interview with Lee.
Why was Denzel Washington absent from the Cannes press conference?
Washington did not attend the May 20 press conference for Highest 2 Lowest. Us Weekly quoted his representative saying he had “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday,” his only day off from the Broadway play Othello. The representative said the studio and festival knew beforehand that Washington would be unavailable for the conference. Us Weekly reported the representative’s explanation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What was the Cannes premiere for?
Highest 2 Lowest is directed by Spike Lee and stars Washington. Variety reported that Washington received a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or before the screening. The film reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, which was based on Ed McBain’s novel A King’s Ransom, according to Us Weekly.
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