Denzel Washington has make clear why he skipped a press convention on the Cannes Movie Pageant for his new movie “Highest 2 Lowest” following an intense showdown with a photographer on the crimson carpet.
The 2-time Oscar winner, 70, misplaced his cool throughout the movie’s star-studded premiere after a snapper repeatedly touched his arm, prompting him to lift his voice and level his finger within the face of one of many shutterbugs.
The dramatic ordeal led to Washington’s conspicuous absence from the next day’s promotional occasion, which was attended by the movie’s director, Spike Lee, and co-star Jeffrey Wright.
Nevertheless it seems as if it wasn’t within the actor’s plans to attend the occasion from the get-go. Washington’s rep is telling the Day by day Mail that he was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday.”
Washington presently stars in an off-Broadway manufacturing of “Othello” reverse Jake Gyllenhaal.
It was beforehand reported that the competition reshuffled its lineup particularly to make sure the performing icon could possibly be honored with an honorary Palme d’Or.
“The studio and festival were aware weeks ago, ahead of time, that he would not be available for the press conference today due to his work commitment on the play,” his rep advised the outlet.
Because the press convention was held on Tuesday morning, it might have been inconceivable for the actor to attend.
On the occasion, Lee, 68, seemingly addressed the “Equalizer” star’s absence, saying, “The last time I was in this room, I had to apologize for a f–k up, but I won’t be apologizing today for a f–k up.”
Lee was referring to when he unintentionally revealed the Palme d’Or winner, “Titane,” earlier than the official announcement at Cannes in 2021.
After working with Washington on the movies “Inside Man,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game” and now “Highest 2 Lowest,” Lee mentioned that he doesn’t assume the duo will get to collaborate once more.
“It’s been a blessing to have this body of work of us doing films that the people love. It’s a blessing, again. I don’t know if we’re going to do it again,” he mentioned.
“I think this is it. Five [films]. He’s [Denzel] been talking about retirement, even though he just did another deal.”
