Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington was involved in a tense interaction with a photographer on May 20, 2025, during the red carpet premiere of his latest film at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The incident occurred as Washington was speaking with director Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky at the premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest,” a modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low.”

Video footage shared by The New York Post shows that Washington was engaged in conversation when an individual behind a barricade of photographers grabbed his arm, seemingly to get his attention. The exact identity of the person who made physical contact remains unclear, but it was evident that Washington was upset by the action.

Washington, who is 70, confronted a photographer, pointing at him and verbally reprimanding him. The photographer reacted with laughter, which seemed to escalate the situation. Washington eventually lowered the photographer’s arm during their exchange.

After attempting to disengage, Washington turned away, only for the photographer to grab his arm again. Washington responded by swatting the hand away and warned, “Stop it!” before leaving the area.

A lip reader consulted by the New York Post indicated that the photographer replied to Washington by saying “Not allowed” with a smile during their exchange.

The encounter appeared to affect Washington’s schedule at the festival, as he did not attend the “Highest 2 Lowest” press conference planned for the next day, though no official explanation was provided.

Washington’s red carpet incident follows a similar occurrence from October 2024, when he confronted autograph seekers at an event in New York City, New York, for Samuel L. Jackson. According to footage from TMZ, Washington emphasized respect as his primary concern.

Despite the exchange, a representative informed People magazine that the May 20 event turned out to be a “great evening” for Washington, who received the Honorary Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest accolade.

Washington’s film “Highest 2 Lowest,” directed by Spike Lee, appeared to resonate with festival attendees, receiving a six-minute standing ovation.

The film stars Washington alongside A$AP Rocky, who has also been prominent at the festival, noted for his animated behavior during photocalls with Lee and Bill Murray.

The confrontation has garnered considerable media attention and analysis from various outlets.

“Highest 2 Lowest” is a significant artistic project, adapting Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” which tells the story of a wealthy executive grappling with a ransom demand after a kidnapping mix-up. Lee’s reinterpretation with Washington and Rocky was highly anticipated at Cannes.

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival included several notable events, including a reported incident involving Bill Murray, who reportedly caused a stir by splashing photographers with water during a photocall.

Washington’s Cannes appearance marked a significant career milestone with his Honorary Palme d’Or, recognizing his extensive contributions to cinema, including two Academy Awards over a four-decade career. The award ceremony itself proceeded smoothly, contrasting with the earlier red carpet incident.