Denzel Washington received a standing ovation while accepting the honorary Palme d'Or during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

The two-time Academy Award winner was surprised with the award on Monday, May 19 by presenter Spike Lee, who directed Washington’s upcoming crime thriller, ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ which also stars A$AP Rocky. After being handed the award–which Robert De Niro also received separately–Washington urged the audience to be seated, according to People.

"This is a total surprise for me, so I'm a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all,” Washington said. “It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again—brother from another mother, Spike.”

Washington added that Cannes attendees are among a “very privileged group,” joking that they “make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well.”

“You know, we're just blessed beyond measure, I'm blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you,” Washington concluded.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’ is slated to release theatrically on August 22 before making its Apple TV+ debut on September 5. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and Lee, following ‘Malcolm X,’ ‘Mo’ Better Blues,’ ‘He Got Game’ and ‘Inside Man.’