Denzel Washington Skips Cannes Festival Following Red Carpet Clash with Photographer

This version maintains clarity, removes redundancy, and uses concise language to highlight the key details: the action (skipping the event), the cause (a clash), and the location (red carpet).

Denzel Washington Skips Cannes Press Conference After Photographer Altercation
(Cannes, France) – Denzel Washington, 70, made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival after a tense exchange with a photographer, leading him to skip the press conference for his new film Highest 2 Lowest. The Oscar winner, known for his intense on-screen presence, was captured pointing his finger at a photographer during a red carpet event, sparking widespread attention.

Denzel Washington at the Cannes Film Festival, where he later skipped a press conference following a photographer altercation.

Spike Lee’s Playful Jab at the Press Conference
Director Spike Lee, 68, humorously referenced the incident during the press conference for Highest 2 Lowest, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low. “Last time I was here, I had to apologize for a f***-up. I won’t be apologizing today,” Lee quipped, alluding to his 2021 mishap when he prematurely announced the Palme d’Or winner. The film, set for an August 23 theatrical release and September 5 streaming debut on Apple TV+, stars Washington and rapper A$AP Rocky.

The Photographer Incident Unpacked
Witnesses reported the altercation began when a photographer tapped Washington’s arm for attention. Lip-reader Jeremy Clark noted the actor’s frustration, though surrounding photographers appeared unfazed, smiling during the exchange. Washington’s history of tense interactions with paparazzi added context, including a 2022 incident where he chastised fans in New York for interrupting his personal space.

Washington’s heated moment with a photographer at Cannes, which led to his press conference absence.

Surprise Honor Amid Controversy
Despite the drama, Washington received an honorary Palme d’Or during the festival. Lee praised him as “my brother” during the presentation, with Washington calling it a “total surprise.” The actor, who flew to Cannes between performances of Othello in New York, remained in high spirits post-ceremony.

Past Clashes with Fans
Washington’s Cannes outburst follows a pattern. In 2021, he was filmed lecturing a fan in New York: “I’ll see you when I get out… It’s about showing love or not!” Another 2020 encounter saw him advising a fan to “say a prayer” during an autograph session.

Spike Lee (left) presents Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Conclusion
While Washington’s fiery moments continue to make news, his Cannes appearance underscored both his enduring star power and the pressures of fame. With Highest 2 Lowest poised for release, fans await his next move—on and off the screen.

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