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Washington said being an actor and having a career in the performing arts was a privilege.
Denzel Washington with the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Picture: Sameer Al Doumy/Getty Images
World-renowned US actor Denzel Washington was pleasantly surprised when he was awarded the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a bit emotional,” said the actor in an impromptu acceptance speech.
Cannes just surprised an emotional Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or pic.twitter.com/6lUODgwKHf
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 19, 2025
The Palme d’Or, which in English means Golden Palm, is primarily awarded to the director of the winning feature film at the Cannes Film Festival. It was first awarded in 1955.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off a week ago and will run until May 24. In its first week, the festival’s organisers awarded actor Robert De Niro for his career achievements.
‘We’re a very privileged group‘
Washington is a cast member of the film, Highest 2 Lowest, which is directed by his friend and long-time collaborator Spike Lee.
“But from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — my brother from another mother, Spike,” said Washington.
The two iconic figures of American film have worked together on some classic movies, such as Mo Better Blues and He Got Game, but the Malcolm X biopic based on the activist’s life is probably their most memorable.
Directing his message to those inside the room, the 70-year-old actor said being an actor and having a career in the performing arts was a privilege.
“To be here, once again in Cannes, we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies, wear tuxedos, nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well. We’re just blessed beyond measure…I’m blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
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Red carpet altercation
Before the ceremony started, Washington got into a stand-off with one of the photographers on the red carpet.
Not sure who this reporter at #CannesFilmFestival is that lost his mind & thinks it’s OK to put his hands on Denzel Washington, but clearly someone hasn’t seen The Equalizer. I said unhand my king!! Take two steps back! Do you have any idea who you’re fucking with, sir? Back off! pic.twitter.com/FUJd6M9Fb8
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) May 19, 2025
It’s unknown what irritated the two-time Oscar-winner. Still, in the videos circulating online, he can be seen asking the photographer to stop; however, it’s not clear what he was asking the cameraman to stop doing.
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