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Denzel Washington has shed light on why he skipped a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for his new film “Highest 2 Lowest” following an intense showdown with a photographer on the red carpet.
The two-time Oscar winner, 70, lost his cool during the film’s star-studded premiere after a snapper repeatedly touched his arm, prompting him to raise his voice and point his finger in the face of one of the shutterbugs.
The dramatic ordeal led to Washington’s conspicuous absence from the following day’s promotional event, which was attended by the film’s director, Spike Lee, and co-star Jeffrey Wright.
But it appears as though it wasn’t in the actor’s plans to attend the event from the get-go. Washington’s rep is telling the Daily Mail that he was “always scheduled to be in and out of Cannes on Monday.”
Washington currently stars in an off-Broadway production of “Othello” opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
It was previously reported that the festival reshuffled its lineup specifically to ensure the acting icon could 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 told the outlet.
As the press conference was held on Tuesday morning, it would have been impossible for the actor to attend.
At the event, 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 accidentally revealed the Palme d’Or winner, “Titane,” before the official announcement at Cannes in 2021.
After working with Washington on the films “Inside Man,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game” and now “Highest 2 Lowest,” Lee said that he doesn’t think the duo will get to collaborate again.
“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 said.
“I think this is it. Five [films]. He’s [Denzel] been talking about retirement, even though he just did another deal.”
English (US)