Denzel Washington Involved in Heated Altercation with Photographer at Cannes Film Festival
A dramatic incident unfolded on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday, May 19, involving Hollywood legend Denzel Washington. The 70-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in films such as “The Equalizer,” got into a tense exchange with a photographer.
According to eyewitnesses, Washington was approached by a photographer while he was talking to director Spike Lee and A$AP Rocky, who also stars in the film “Highest 2 Lowest.” The photographer attempted to grab Washington’s arm in an effort to get his attention, which seemed to set the actor off. As reported by the New York Post, “the move appeared to set Washington off because the ‘Gladiator II’ actor decided to confront him.”
In a shocking display of frustration, Washington firmly pointed his finger in the photographer’s face and repeatedly screamed “stop” as he approached the man. The photographer, however, ignored Washington’s concerns and laughed in his face, further escalating the situation. The New York Post reported that “the cameraman further annoyed Washington (left) by laughing in his face.”
The situation continued to deteriorate when the photographer grabbed Washington’s arm as he turned to walk away. Washington quickly pulled his arm free and shouted, “Stop it! Stop!” with visible veins popping from his neck. The incident was captured by Getty Images and shows Washington’s clear frustration.
The New York Post reached out to Washington’s representative for comment but has not received a response. This incident did not seem to dampen Washington’s spirits, however. Prior to the altercation, he had been surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.
During a ceremony inside the theater, festival chief Thierry Frémaux addressed the crowd to present Washington with the prestigious honor. As quoted by Deadline, Frémaux said, “It’s a very special day… Denzel, because you are here, we want to make something special for you … it’s a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema.” The award was a surprise to Washington, who expressed his gratitude to the crowd, saying, “This is a total surprise for me so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
Washington also praised his collaboration with Spike Lee, 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.” Lee, who presented the award to Washington, referred to him as “brother from another mother.”
The film “Highest 2 Lowest” is a thriller and an English reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese movie “High and Low.” The movie follows David King (Washington), a successful executive who becomes an extortion victim when a kidnapper mixes up his son with his driver’s kid and holds him for ransom. Jeffrey Wright plays the chauffeur in the film.
“Highest 2 Lowest” is scheduled to hit theaters on August 22 and will be available on Apple TV+ in September. The film also stars A$AP Rocky and Aubrey Joseph.
As reported by the New York Post, Washington showed no signs of letting the heated altercation with the photographer affect him, instead choosing to focus on the honor bestowed upon him at the festival. The incident serves as a reminder of the sometimes tumultuous nature of celebrity interactions.
The confrontation between Washington and the photographer was witnessed by many, including A$AP Rocky, who was standing nearby. The incident highlights the challenges that celebrities face in managing their interactions with the media and the public.
The New York Post provided additional details about the film, stating that it “is a thriller and the English reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese movie ‘High and Low.'” The film’s plot, as reported by the New York Post, “follows David King (Washington), a successful executive who becomes an extortion victim when a kidnapper mixes up his son (Aubrey Joseph) with his driver’s kid and holds him for ransom.”
In conclusion, Denzel Washington’s confrontation with a photographer at the Cannes Film Festival has garnered significant attention. Despite the incident, Washington was honored with a prestigious award, and his film “Highest 2 Lowest” is set to be released in theaters and on Apple TV+. The New York Post’s reporting on the incident provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded.
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