Denzel Washington was awarded an Honorary Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The surprise recognition took place on May 19, 2025, during the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, a modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, directed by Spike Lee. Washington, who stars in the film alongside A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright, was visibly emotional as he received the prestigious honor from Lee, his longtime collaborator.
The Honorary Palme d’Or is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema. Washington’s career, spanning over four decades, has been marked by a diverse range of roles, from portraying Malcolm X to his award-winning performances in Training Day and Glory.
Highest 2 Lowest is set to be released in U.S. theaters on August 22, 2025, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025. The film’s premiere at Cannes and Washington’s honorary award have generated significant anticipation for its upcoming release.