Denzel Washington’s Planned Cannes Absence Overshadowed by Red Carpet Clash and Palme d’Or Honor

Denzel Washington’s absence from the Cannes Film Festival press conference for his new film Highest 2 Low was not sudden or due to controversy, as some might have assumed. According to a representative for the actor, Washington had always been scheduled to attend the festival briefly on Monday and then return to his Broadway commitment. He is currently starring in a stage production of Othello alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, and Monday was his only available day off. The actor’s tight schedule meant he had no plans to participate in the press conference for the film, a fact reportedly communicated to festival organizers well in advance.

Cannes Organizers Honor Washington Amid Brief Visit and Red Carpet Confrontation Drama

Despite his limited availability, Cannes organizers went to considerable lengths to accommodate Washington. In fact, they reshuffled the event lineup to honor him with an honorary Palme d’Or, the festival’s most prestigious award. This honor, usually reserved for directors, was an acknowledgment of Washington’s long-standing contribution to cinema. The festival and the film studio were aware weeks in advance that Washington wouldn’t be present for the press event, as confirmed by his representative. Their cooperation highlights the deep respect the international film community holds for the two-time Oscar winner.

While Washington’s presence at Cannes was brief, it was not without drama. During his red carpet appearance on Monday, a video surfaced showing the actor in a tense moment with a photographer. The situation began when Washington appeared to chastise the photographer, pointing a finger and voicing his displeasure. When the photographer responded by grabbing Washington’s arm, the actor quickly reacted by pulling away and repeating, “Stop it, stop it, stop it,” before walking off. The moment quickly spread online, sparking widespread discussion.

Tense Exchange Sparks Debate on Boundaries and Respect at Cannes Festival

Lip reader Jeremy Freeman offered further insight into the exchange, claiming that Washington explicitly warned the photographer not to touch him. The paparazzo, however, reportedly brushed off the warning, responding with “Not allowed” and smirking in response. This dismissive behavior appeared to escalate the situation, highlighting an ongoing issue of personal boundaries on the red carpet. Washington, a famously private individual, reacted firmly, signaling the need for greater professionalism and respect in such high-profile events.

Following the incident, Washington was notably absent from the next day’s press conference for Highest 2 Low. Although his absence had been planned in advance due to his Broadway obligations, the timing led some to speculate that the confrontation with the photographer may have influenced the decision.

Director Spike Lee, a longtime collaborator of Washington’s, appeared to subtly reference the situation. During the press conference, Lee stated that he wouldn’t be “apologizing today for a f–k up,” a remark many took as a veiled acknowledgment of the incident without offering detailed commentary.