Why did Denzel Washington, who walked away with honorary Palme d’Or, lose his cool at Cannes 2025?

Dubai: Hollywood icon Denzel Washington may have lost his cool with the paparazzi — but make no mistake, he still got this. In a whirlwind dash between Broadway performances of Othello, the OG screen legend made a flying visit to the Cannes Film Festival on Monday for the premiere of Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest — and walked away with an unexpected honour: a surprise honorary Palme d’Or.

Cannes rolled out the red carpet — and reshuffled its entire schedule — to accommodate Washington’s single day off.

The moment was made even more special when festival chief Thierry Frémaux surprised him with the golden trophy, handed over by longtime collaborator Spike Lee. “This is a total surprise for me,” a visibly moved Washington said.

But amid the celebration, there was a rare flash of the infamous Denzel temper — the actor briefly snapped at paparazzi during the day’s photocall. It’s unclear what sparked the moment, but sources say the Training Day star was in no mood for chaos after an exhausting transatlantic sprint.

Still, ever the pro, Washington posed playfully with Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky, attended the screening, and then jetted back to New York — all in time to return to the stage.

Also making waves at the premiere? Rihanna, who stunned fans by showing up with partner A$AP Rocky, her growing baby bump on full display. As for Spike Lee, he took the Palais stage wearing Knicks colors and shouting “New York Knicks!” before the film rolled.

Cannes may be full of surprises, but giving Denzel his due? That was long overdue. Cool snapped or not — he remains one of Hollywood’s classiest acts.

With inputs from AP