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.
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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.
