Denzel Washington got into a heated confrontation with a handsy photographer at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
The actor, 70, was walking the red carpet Monday for the premiere of his movie “Highest 2 Lowest” when he began exchanging words with one of the many photogs lined up to capture the stars of the event.
Washington walked up to the shutterbug, put his pointer finger in the man’s face and appeared to chastise him.
Denzel Washington got into a heated confrontation with a handsy photographer at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Getty Images
The actor was walking the red carpet Monday for the premiere of his movie “Highest 2 Lowest” when he began exchanging words with one of the many photogs lined up to capture the event. Getty Images
Washington walked up to the shutterbug, put his pointer finger in the man’s face and appeared to chastise him. Getty Images
The photographer smiled, laughed and seemingly tried to keep the moment lighthearted by grabbing the Oscar winner’s arm, but that only escalated the situation.
“Stop it, stop it, stop it,” Washington repeated as he flung the man’s hand off his arm and walked away.
Reps for the star did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Prior to the exchange, Washington was chatting with co-star A$AP Rocky. As director Spike Lee walked over to speak to the rapper, Washington turned his attention to the photog in question.
The photographer smiled, laughed and seemingly tried to keep the moment lighthearted by grabbing the Oscar winner’s arm, but that only escalated the situation. Getty Images
“Stop it, stop it, stop it,” Washington repeated as he flung the man’s hand off his arm and walked away. Getty Images
Prior to the exchange, Washington was chatting with co-star A$AP Rocky (pictured together here). WireImage
Despite the tense situation, the actor was all smiles once inside the theater, where he, Lee and Rocky earned a standing ovation for their work in the film.
“Highest 2 Lowest” marks Washington and Lee’s fifth collaboration — and first in nearly 20 years.
They previously teamed up on “Inside Man” (2006), “He Got Game” (1998), “Malcolm X” (1992) and “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990).
