https://x.com/CannesPalais/status/1924719236347277468
Denzel Washington became embroiled in a heated exchange with a photographer at the Cannes Film Festival while promoting a film and receiving an honorary award. The star of “Training Day” confronted the unnamed photographer on the red carpet, wagging a finger in his face. It was unclear what had caused Washington’s irritation.
https://x.com/CannesPalais/status/1924469837847294119
The photographer maintained a fixed smile but grabbed Washington’s arm as he turned to leave, which seemed to further anger the actor, who appeared to shout “stop.”
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The 70-year-old actor, who also reportedly clashed with fans wanting photographs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York last October, was in Cannes to promote “Highest 2 Lowest,” a film directed by Spike Lee, in which he stars. The film is set to open in the US in August and was screened outside the official competition at the festival. A day after the altercation, Washington missed a press conference intended to publicize the film.
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Director Spike Lee, 68, reminisced about their long relationship, noting that they had worked on five films together over 18 years. “Wow, wow, wow, 18 years,” he said. “What he did with that film, just amazing.”
“Highest 2 Lowest” is a remake of the 1963 film “High and Low” by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa.
Lee’s version has divided critics, earning praise in Britain and America while being panned in France. French magazine Télérama commented that Washington’s co-star, the rapper A$AP Rocky, 36, had “much progress to make if he wants to continue a career in cinema” and noted that Washington’s punchlines “lose their bite” because they “are repeated so often.”
Washington was also honored with an honorary Palme d’Or at the festival.
Washington’s altercation with photographer
Thierry Frémaux, the festival’s director, said the award was “a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema.” Lee, who presented the award, expressed his admiration by saying, “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.”
Washington has explained his absence from the press conference, with his representative stating that the no-show was pre-planned.
Washington was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday,” due to his commitments to an off-Broadway production of “Othello” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Both the studio and festival were informed weeks in advance that Washington would not be able to attend the press conference due to his theater commitments. Lee hinted that this might be their last project together, saying, “It’s been a blessing to have this body of work of us doing films that people love.
It’s a blessing, again. I don’t know if we’re going to do it again. I think this is it.
Five [films]. He’s [Denzel] been talking about retirement, even though he just did another deal.”
Washington remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, continually balancing his passion for acting with his commitment to the theater.
