U.S. actor Denzel Washington received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating his remarkable career in cinema. The 70-year-old actor was present in southern France for the premiere of Spike Lee’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, which is an adaptation of the classic Japanese movie High and Low by legendary director Akira Kurosawa. The crime thriller marked the fifth collaboration between Washington and acclaimed director Spike Lee.
Washington walked the Cannes red carpet alongside his co-stars A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright, drawing attention for his longstanding influence and versatility in film. Over the years, Washington has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from the powerful civil rights leader Malcolm X to a troubled but courageous pilot in Flight. His performance as a corrupt detective in Training Day earned him his second Academy Award in 2002, following his first Oscar win in 1990 for the war drama Glory.
Beyond acting, Washington has also taken on directing and producing roles. In 2007, he directed and starred in The Great Debaters, a film about a professor who coached a debate team from a historically Black college to national victory. He also produced and starred in Antwone Fisher, a drama centered on a troubled young man overcoming a difficult past. Washington’s extensive career showcases his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role he undertakes.
At the same festival, fellow acting legend Robert De Niro was also honored with an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement during the opening ceremony. De Niro used his acceptance speech to make a political statement, calling for protests against then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
Highest 2 Lowest is set to be released in U.S. theaters on August 22. The film’s premiere at Cannes highlights Washington’s enduring collaboration with Spike Lee and cements his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected and accomplished actors. This honorary Palme d’Or serves as recognition not only of Washington’s exceptional talent but also of his significant impact on the world of cinema over several decades.
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