Denzel Washington Receives Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes Premiere of Highest 2 Lowest

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunited for the premiere of their new film "Highest 2 Lowest," a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low," at the Cannes Film Festival, marking Washington's first lead role at Cannes since 1993. The neo-noir crime thriller, set in contemporary New York City, features Washington as a music mogul facing a kidnapping plot, alongside a strong supporting cast including A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice in her film debut. The film received a five-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, underscoring the duo's enduring impact on cinema and their creative partnership, which spans five collaborations over nearly two decades. At the festival, Washington was honored with an honorary Palme d’Or by Cannes Festival Director Thierry Fremaux, celebrating his distinguished career and iconic performances. Spike Lee, marking his sixth time in the Cannes Official Selection, paid tribute to Washington as "my brother from another mother," highlighting their close friendship and professional rapport. The event also drew attention for its star-studded red carpet and fashion, with notable appearances by A$AP Rocky and Rihanna.