Surprise honorary Palme d’Or for Denzel Washington at Cannes as he attends 'Highest 2 Lowest' premiere

At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, Denzel Washington was bestowed with a surprise honorary Palme d'Or, recognising his outstanding contributions to cinema. The festival director, Thierry Frémaux, presented the award, handed to him by longtime collaborator and friend, Spike Lee, ahead of the premiere of their latest film, Highest 2 Lowest.

 

Prior to the screening of the film, a tribute montage celebrating Denzel Washington’s acclaimed career was shown, featuring snippets from his Oscar-winning performances in Glory and Training Day along with scenes from Malcolm X and Mo’ Better Blues, both directed by Spike Lee.

 

Before presenting the Palme d’Or, Lee addressed the crowd with heartfelt words, “This is my brother right here. I love him, I love him. I’m glad you’re here, where all the people love you too.”

 

The two-time Oscar winner appeared visibly emotional upon receiving the award. According to Deadline, in his acceptance speech, he said, “What an honour it is to be here tonight and to receive this from Cannes, the greatest film festival in the world. I want to thank Spike for being on this journey with me, and to all the artists and collaborators who have lifted me throughout my career. I am grateful—truly grateful.”

 

This year’s Cannes Film Festival was especially meaningful for Denzel Washington, marking his return to the event for the first time since 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing—and his first appearance as a lead actor.

 

The honorary Palme d’Or is Cannes’ highest lifetime recognition, previously awarded to icons like Robert De Niro and Jane Fonda. Washington’s honour came as a surprise not only to the audience but also to him, who had arrived for the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, unaware that he would be receiving the prestigious accolade which emphasises Washington’s impact not only as an actor but also as a cultural figure. 

 

Highest 2 Lowest is a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low set in New York. Denzel Washington plays the character of David King, who gets caught up in a tense kidnapping drama. In the Japanese original, Toshiro Mifune played the protagonist.

The American update's cast also includes A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright, and it marks the fifth collaboration of Lee and Washington.  It will release in theatres on August 22 and streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5.

Entertainment