Denzel Washington was left speechless and emotional after being surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on Monday, May 19.

Washington, 70, received the highest honor at the festival, following the screening of his new movie, "Highest 2 Lowest," which he stars in alongside Spike Lee. The actor was visibly moved as Lee helped present him with the award.

"This is a total surprise for me, so I'm a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all," Washington said in his acceptance speech. "It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike."

Washington and Lee's New Movie

Washington and Lee teamed up for the fifth time in their careers for "Highest 2 Lowest," a reinterpretation of the 1963 Japanese crime thriller "High and Low," set in modern-day New York City.

The movie follows a music mogul targeted with a ransom plot, and is set to release in select theaters on August 22 and on Apple TV+ on September 5.

Other Honorary Palme d'Or Recipients

Washington is the second person to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at this year's festival, following Robert De Niro, who received the honor at Cannes' opening night on May 13.

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