Body language expert breaks down moment Denzel Washington 'escalated' his spat with Cannes photographer
CANNES, FRANCE: Denzel Washington’s simmering exchange with a photographer quickly became a viral moment at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of 'Highest 2 Lowest.'
A body language expert says the acclaimed actor was holding back far more than he let on during the whole exchange, reports Showbiz Cheatsheet.
Denzel Washington’s Cannes red carpet clash caught on camera
While making his way down the red carpet for the world premiere of his new Spike Lee-directed film, Washington found himself at odds with a paparazzo who seemingly crossed a line.
The actor’s sharp reaction from a dropped smile to a pointed finger and an intense gaze signaled a moment of deep irritation, according to body language analyst Inbaal Honigman.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Honigman described the exchange as a clear boundary-setting moment that escalated due to the photographer’s refusal to read the room.
“Denzel Washington is not playing,” she explained. “He’s setting a clear boundary with the photographer, and his outburst is reserved and moderate, compared with how he feels. Washington holds back his reaction, as the event is so public, but on the inside he is fuming.”
“The exchange with the photographer can be taken as banter, because the snapper never stops smiling, and he clearly sees the interaction differently to the actor. But Washington’s facial expressions and body language clearly demonstrate that he is irritated and fed up,” the expert added.
According to Honigman, the tension began when the photographer touched Washington’s arm.
“The moment that the Hollywood star feels a tap on his arm, he turns over to look, already annoyed. His smile dropped and his pointing finger raised. He turns to confront the photographer and set a clear boundary. At first, it would seem that Washington would be happy with one finger jab, which means ‘back off’, and a single sentence to tell him off, but the snapper’s big grin aggravates the situation.”
Honigman added that while the photographer might have seen the moment as playful, Washington’s restrained but intense response indicated that he felt disrespected in a very public setting.
Ignored warning triggers Denzel Washington’s sharp gestures and controlled fury, expert notes
The real turning point, Honigman noted, came when Washington realized his warning wasn’t being taken seriously. His gestures became sharper, repeated finger jabs, tightened lips, and a fixed stare.
The expert explained, “When the actor notices that the photographer has not taken him seriously, his body language escalates. His repeated finger jabbing, which signifies anger, is coupled with a stern facial expression. Washington fixes the photographer with an angry gaze, raising both eyebrows in a questioning way. His raised eyebrows say ‘do you hear me?’ as he tries to get his point across. We see his chin jutting in dominance, and his lips tighten in disapproval. He’s angry without a doubt.”
“When Washington has made his point, he walks away, his lips still pursed in anger, but then the photographer grabs his elbow. The photographer might be feeling playful, but the actor is having none of it. At this, the Hollywood star has had enough. He tilts his head downwards, which is a display of dominance, and his arm reaches out to restrain the photographer. As he walks away a second time, his jaw is clenched, showing that this time, he remains angry even after the interaction has ended,” she added.
“It is possible that Washington’s uneasy exchange on the red carpet leaves him annoyed for hours, as he still appears pensive when receiving his surprise Palme d’Or award,” she said.
“Spike Lee’s facial expression conveys unbridled delight, with a raised head, toothy smile, and rounded cheeks. In comparison, the film star’s smile is mild and neutral as he holds the award, and his faraway gaze suggests that his mind is not fully there.”
