In a surprise moment at the Cannes Film Festival, American actor Denzel Washington was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or on Monday during a whirlwind visit to attend the premiere of Spike Lee’s latest film Highest 2 Lowest.
Washington, who is currently starring in Othello on stage in New York, made a brief stop in France on his only day off. Cannes organizers adjusted part of their schedule to accommodate his visit. Festival president Thierry Frémaux presented the award to Washington just before the film’s premiere, in a moment that took the actor completely by surprise, according to the Associated Press.
“This is my brother right here,” said director Spike Lee, who handed the Palme to Washington. “This is a total surprise to me,” Washington responded during the emotional moment.
The Cannes Film Festival typically awards one or two honorary Palmes each year. Last year’s recipients were George Lucas and Studio Ghibli. Actor Robert De Niro received one during the festival’s opening night last week—an honor that had been previously announced.
However, surprises are not uncommon at Cannes. In 2022, Tom Cruise was presented with a surprise honorary Palme d’Or moments before the screening of Top Gun: Maverick.
When the festival’s official lineup was announced last month, Highest 2 Lowest was not included. Hours later, Spike Lee revealed on social media that his film would premiere at Cannes. Festival officials said they were awaiting confirmation of Washington’s attendance on the red carpet.
Highest 2 Lowest is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low. The film is set for theatrical release by A24 on August 22, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ beginning September 5.
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