The secret had been well kept: just before the projection outside the competition of Higher 2 lower From Spike Lee, on Monday, May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival, his favorite actor Denzel Washington received a gold palm of honor for his entire career by the US director and the festival leaders, Iris Knobloch and Thierry Frémaux.
“We have something special to return to him, Mr. Denzel Washington,” said the filmmaker against the general delegate of the festival gives this Palma de Oro surprise to the actor, causing a standing ovation.
“It’s a total surprise for me, so it moves me,” he said upon receiving this distinction.
“A very privileged group”
“It is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with my brother again (reference to Spike Lee, note of the editor), and be there, again, in Cannes,” he continued. “We are a very privileged group, in this room. We make movies, wear costumes and beautiful clothes, and they pay us for that. We are lucky beyond all measure. I am lucky beyond all measure. From the damage of my heart, I thank everyone.”
As the Hollywood reporter remembers, Higher 2 lower (Available on September 5 at Apple TV+) marks the fifth collaboration of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, and the first in 20 years.
The last golden palm given by surprise an actor is that of Tom Cruise in 2022. Among the other recipients, are Catherine Deneuve, Jane Fonda, Clint Eastwood, Agnès Varda or Meryl Streep. And Robert De Niro received one at the opening of this 2025 edition.
Source: BFM TV
