Denzel Washington had a tense moment with a photographer, and it was caught on camera while he was at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19.
The actor was at the event with director Spike Lee for the premiere night of their upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest.
Denzel Washington Scolds Photographer During Cannes Appearance
Denzel Washington was seen on the red carpet on Monday, talking to Spike Lee, the director of neo-noir thriller film Highest 2 Lowest, and being approached by co-star A$AP Rocky.
The 70-year-old appeared to be in a good mood for most of the event, that is, until a photographer grabbed his elbow to get his attention.
Washington was not having any of it, though, and pointed his finger at the photographer, telling him to “stop.”
However, the man continued trying to draw his focus and went so far as to snatch the Oscar winner’s arm again, all while smiling.
Because of that, Washington was seen jerking his arm away and angrily scolding the snapper again, saying “stop” repeatedly.
The Hollywood star was back in high spirits for the rest of the event, especially before the premiere of his new movie, during which he received an honorary Palme d'Or, to his surprise.
Washington is reportedly on his way back to New York for another day of showing his hit Broadway play, Othello. He has yet to comment on his intense interaction with the photographer.
Denzel Washington Upset at a Group of Fans
An incident quite similar to what Washington experienced at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival occurred in October.
While arriving at the Museum of Modern Art to attend a film benefit for his friend Samuel L. Jackson, he snapped at a group of people he found unruly.
In a viral video at the time, Washington was seen entering the building looking friendly. A bunch of eager fans in the crowd, including paparazzi, tried to get his attention and autograph, which he mostly ignored.
However, as the requests grew louder, he stopped walking and went back to the fervent supporters to give them a warning.
While it was hard to make out exactly what Washington said, it was clear that he asked them to wait respectfully if they wanted his autograph.
"I said, 'I'll see you when I get out,'" the Training Day star said. "Which part of that don't y'all understand? You feel me? Or not, we could do it another way. Either way, I can do it both ways, y'all."
During this time, his fans were also anticipating his appearance in Ridley Scott's Gladiator II, in which he starred with Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.
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