Cannes 2025: Denzel Washington introduced shock honourary Palme d’Or by Spike Lee-OxBig News Network

Denzel Washington receives the Honourary Palme d’Or from director and government producer Spike Lee forward of the screening of the movie ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ on the 78th version of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Denzel Washington was honoured with a shock lifetime achievement award on the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night time, receiving an honorary Palme d’Or forward of the screening of his newest movie Highest 2 Lowest, directed by longtime collaborator Spike Lee.

Festival director Thierry Frémaux launched the award presentation, which caught Washington off guard. Lee, who has labored with Washington on 5 movies, formally introduced the dignity. The viewers responded with a standing ovation as Washington took the stage to just accept the popularity.

“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m emotional,” Washington mentioned throughout his remarks. “It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again… From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”

Denzel Washington smiles after receiving the Honourary Palme d’Or forward of the screening of ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ on the 78th version of the Cannes Film Festival
| Photo Credit:
AP

The award marks a uncommon second within the competition’s historical past, because the honourary Palme d’Or has solely been introduced 22 instances since its inception in 2002. While one other honorary Palme was awarded earlier within the competition to Robert De Niro, that announcement had been made upfront. Washington’s recognition was saved below wraps, making him solely the second recipient lately to obtain the award as a shock, following Tom Cruise in 2022.

Washington’s look at Cannes comes throughout a break from his Broadway run in Othello, during which he stars reverse Jake Gyllenhaal. Like most Broadway productions, the present is darkish on Mondays, permitting him to attend the competition briefly.

Washington is a two-time Academy Award winner, incomes Best Supporting Actor for Glory and Best Actor for Training Day. He additionally acquired an Oscar nomination for Best Picture for Fences, which he directed and starred in. His accolades embrace a Tony Award for Fences on stage and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Highest 2 Lowest marks Washington and Lee’s first movie collaboration in practically 20 years. Their earlier work collectively contains Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man.

With this award, Washington joins an unique listing of recipients that features extra names like Jane Fonda, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, and Meryl Streep.