Denzel Washington Surprised With Honorary Palme d’Or At Cannes

Denzel Washington has received many accolades in his illustrious career. But he was surprised to be honored with the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. First ipresented in 2002, the special award recognizes the lifetime achievements of prominent figures in cinema.

While in attendance at the premiere of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, along with Spike Lee, who presented the award, and other cast members, Washington was overcome with emotions as he accepted the prestigious award.

“Sit down, please,” Washington told the audience that gave him a thunderous round of applause.”This is a total surprise for me so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike.”

“To be here once again in Cannes, you know, we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well,” Washington continued. “You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”

Regarded as one of the greatest actors of all-time, Washington has won two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Tony, and several NAACP Image Awards.

In his immense filmography, Highest 2 Lowest is Washington’s fifth collaboration with Lee. Their previous films include Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and Inside Man (2006).

The official synopsis of the film reads: “When a titan music mogul widely known as having the ‘best ears in the business,’ is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma.”

Highest 2 Lowest premieres in select theaters Aug. 22 and releases on Apple TV+ Sept. 5.