'Don't Put Your Hands On Me': Denzel Washington Loses Cool At Pap, Gets Into Ugly Spat At Cannes Film Festival 2025 (VIDEO)

Legendary Hollywood star Denzel Washington was honoured with the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night, however, the moment was marred by an ugly altercation with a shutterbug on the red carpet of the coveted event. The actor walked the red carpet for the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest.

The incident took place when he arrived on the red carpet and was posing with the team of Highest 2 Lowest. A video has now surfaced online in which Washington can be seen approaching a shutterbug and reprimanding him by pointing a finger at his face.

Not sure who this reporter at #CannesFilmFestival is that lost his mind & thinks it’s OK to put his hands on Denzel Washington, but clearly someone hasn’t seen The Equalizer. I said unhand my king!! Take two steps back! Do you have any idea who you’re fucking with, sir? Back off! pic.twitter.com/FUJd6M9Fb8

— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) May 19, 2025

The photographer then tried to lighten the situation by grabbing Washington by his arm, but it only worsened his mood, and he was heard repeating, "Stop it, stop it, stop it."

The Oscar winning actor was also seen shoving the pap's hand away before walking off.

As the video went viral, netizens appreciated the photographer for maintaining his calm and some also wondered what irked Washington so much.

Meanwhile, Washington received a major surprise at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday as he was bestowed with the Palme d'Or -- a special award that was given to him to celebrate and acknowledge his uber-successful career and his contributions to global cinema.

He was given the honour moments before the screening of his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee. The award was presented by Cannes festival director Thierry Fremaux.

This makes Washington the 22nd person to receive the Palme d'Or at Cannes.. The actor is currently performing on Broadway in Othello and he made a quick trip to France for the Cannes Film Festival.