Denzel Washington gets emotional after surprise Palme d'Or honor at Cannes: 'Blessed beyond measure'

CANNES, FRANCE: Denzel Washington was caught off guard at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with a special honor that moved him to tears.

The 70-year-old actor received an honorary Palme d'Or during the event in Cannes, France, shortly after presenting his new film 'Highest 2 Lowest' alongside longtime collaborator Spike Lee.

Denzel Washington says he is ‘blessed beyond measure’ ater receiving honorary Palme d'Or

Following the film screening, Washington addressed the audience with heartfelt gratitude.

"Sit down, please," Washington said. "This is a total surprise for me so I'm a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all."

He continued, "It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike."

The actor went on to reflect on his career and the privilege of working in the film industry.

"To be here once again in Cannes, you know, we're a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well," Washington said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"You know, we're just blessed beyond measure, I'm blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you."

Spike Lee reunites with Denzel Washington for 'Highest 2 Lowest'

Spike Lee, 68, joined Washington in presenting their film 'Highest 2 Lowest' out of competition at the festival.

The movie marks their fifth project together and their first since the 2006 thriller 'Inside Man', according to People. 

The film is described as a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 crime thriller 'High and Low', now set in the gritty streets of modern-day New York City, according to the film’s synopsis.

Cannes often reserves the honorary Palme d'Or for major figures in cinema.

Earlier during the festival, Leonardo DiCaprio presented the same award to Robert De Niro, calling their early 1990s meeting something that "changed my life forever."

Internet calls Denzel Washington a ‘Hollywood legend’ after Palme d’Or honor

Fans on the internet reacted with joy to Denzel Washington’s honor.

“An American treasure! Congrats Denzel!!!” one person wrote on X.

“One of the finest actors and gentlemen of all time. Literally every movie he’s in is a must see. A true Hollywood Legend,” another user shared.

“Congratulations to Denzel, the GOAT!” a third user added. “Deserved,” wrote one more.

Denzel Washington yells at photographer on Cannes red carpet

Earlier in the day, Denzel Washington had a heated encounter with a photographer on the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet, Fox News reported. Washington approached the photographers at the premiere of Spike Lee’s 'Highest 2 Lowest', when a photographer appeared to grab him to get his attention.

This enraged the Oscar winner, who can be seen putting his finger in the photographer's face, yelled "stop" as he approached the man. The photographers can be seen laughing as Washington walked away from the wall of photographers, with one grabbing the actor by the arm.This made Washington shout, "Stop it! Stop!"

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