Denzel Washington, ASAP Rocky, and Spike Lee made a stylish appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for their new movie Highest 2 Lowest. The trio brought energy to the red carpet and photocall, with Denzel receiving a surprise honor.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival saw big stars like Denzel Washington, ASAP Rocky, and Spike Lee together for their film Highest 2 Lowest. The movie is a modern take on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low, set in New York City. The cast attended the photocall and premiere on May 19, 2025, at the Palais des Festivals in France.
Denzel Washington, 70, plays a music mogul caught in a ransom plot. ASAP Rocky, 36, joins as a key cast member, marking another step in his acting career. Director Spike Lee reunites with Denzel after nearly 20 years since their last film Inside Man. The movie also stars Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Aubrey Joseph, and Wendell Pierce.
At the photocall, ASAP Rocky wore a white Miu Miu suit with a black shirt and brown loafers. Denzel kept it simple in a black tee, while Spike Lee matched in a white tee and pants. Their coordinated looks and playful poses made them stand out.
“The only thing better than a notable A-lister hitting the red carpet at Cannes? Three A-listers hitting it together,” said Vogue about their stylish appearance.
During the premiere, Denzel had a brief clash with a photographer who grabbed his arm. He was seen saying “stop it” before walking away. The moment didn’t overshadow the event, as the film later received a standing ovation.
A big surprise came when Denzel was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or, Cannes’ highest honor. Spike Lee presented it, calling Denzel his “brother from another mother.” Denzel, emotional, thanked the crowd and spoke about their long collaboration.
“This is a total surprise for me so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all,” Denzel said. “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again.”
The film explores themes of social inequality and moral conflict, staying true to Kurosawa’s original while adding a modern twist. It was shot in New York, from wealthy neighborhoods to Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach.
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Highest 2 Lowest will release in U.S. theaters on August 22, 2025, and stream on Apple TV+ from September 5. The Cannes premiere set high expectations, with fans eager to see Denzel and ASAP Rocky’s performances.
Credits: News sources from Vogue, People, E! Online, Just Jared, and Deadline.
