Denzel Washington honoured with Palme d'Or at Cannes 2025 | Celebrity News - News9live
Denzel Washington honoured with Palme d’Or at Cannes 2025 (Credits: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images).
Two-time Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Denzel Washington was honoured with a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The prestigious tribute was presented just before the premiere of his new film, High and Low, directed by long-time collaborator Spike Lee.
The audience at the Grand Théâtre Lumière broke into applause as Washington took the stage, visibly moved by the unforeseen honour. “This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional,” he told the audience. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.” “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother—Spike,” he continued.
Talking of the privilege of being at Cannes, Washington added, “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. You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”
Washington managed to squeeze in a trip to the festival as he’s currently starring in a stage production of Othello back in New York. His presence was necessary for the debut of his film, but also to rightfully appreciate and praise the commendable role he has played in uplifting cinema throughout the years.
The Honorary Palme d’Or is Cannes’ highest tribute to artists, although it’s not a part of the main competition. The award is reserved for cinematic icons, with previous recipients including Tom Cruise, and earlier this week, Leonardo DiCaprio presented his longtime co-star Robert De Niro with the award to kick off the festival on Tuesday, May 13.
High and Low, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller, is Washington and Lee’s fifth film together. It’s set for theatrical release by A24 on August 22 and will stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5.
Aradhya Paul
Aradhya Paul is a bold storyteller and Media student from Christ University with a rich background in journalism, public speaking, and performing arts. Being a social work volunteer and a former editor, she blends creativity and activism. By turning ideas into impact and with an aspiration to lead in fashion journalism, she's rewriting the narrative, one story at a time.
