Cannes 2025: Honorary Palme d'Or presented to Denzel Washington

Actor Denzel Washington was unexpectedly honoured at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday evening. According to reports, Washington received the distinguished honorary Palme d'Or, a special accolade awarded to recognise his extensive and successful career in the film industry.

Just prior to the showing of his newest film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee, the actor was surprised with the award. Thierry Fremaux, the director of the Cannes festival, bestowed the award. Washington is now the 22nd individual to receive this accolade.

Washington is presently acting in Othello on Broadway and briefly travelled to France for the festival. The award was unexpected, contrasting with the one received by Robert De Niro earlier this year, which was disclosed prior to the festival.

The honorary Palme d'Or, established in 2002, has been awarded to several esteemed individuals in the film industry, such as Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Michael Douglas, Meryl Streep, and George Lucas. In 2022, Tom Cruise was also surprised with the award.