Denzel Washington, Spike Lee and A$AP Rocky (and Rihanna!) Stun Cannes as ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Earns 5.5-Minute Ovation

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Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, and A$AP Rocky showcased New York City at Cannes by premiering their neo-noir crime thriller “Highest 2 Lowest,” which received a five-and-a-half minute standing ovation. Rihanna also attracted notice as she accompanied A$AP Rocky during the movie screening.

At the premiere, Lee, known for his eye-catching red carpet attire, chose to pay tribute to his favorite team, the New York Knicks, by wearing an orange and blue-striped suit, jacket, and hat. On the other hand, Washington opted for a more conventional outfit of suit, jacket, and tie. However, he took time out on the Croisette, much like a sports star before a game, to greet fans enthusiastically with handshakes.

At the premiere, Lee, known for his stylish red carpet appearances, decided to honor his beloved New York Knicks by donning an orange and blue-striped suit, jacket, and matching hat. In contrast, Washington stuck with a classic suit, jacket, and tie ensemble. Spending additional time on the Croisette, he interacted with fans just as a sports star would before a game, shaking hands warmly.

Prior to the opening event, Lee bestowed upon Washington an honorary Palm d’Or, referring to him as “my other-than-biological brother.”

Lee gifted Washington with an honorary Palm d’Or before the premiere, addressing him as “my non-blood brother.”

Lastly:

Before the debut, Lee awarded Washington an honorary Palm d’Or, likening their bond to that of brothers who share no blood.

Many actors who didn’t feature in the movie attended. Jason Momoa, accompanied by his partner Andria Arjona from “Splitsville”, walked the red carpet. Momoa ensured Arjona wouldn’t trip on the palace steps by lifting her dress. Edward Norton, known for his role in Lee’s “25th Hour,” was present to support his previous director, as was filmmaker Wes Anderson, who had premiered his latest work, “The Phoenician Scheme,” at Cannes the previous night. A$AP Rocky made a dazzling appearance, sporting large gold hoop earrings, gold teeth, and custom blinged-out Ray Bans.

The modern-day New York adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film ‘High and Low,’ titled ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ features Denzel Washington as a prominent music executive entangled in a high-stakes ransom situation. In this remake, Rocky plays the character of Yung Felon, an ambitious rapper determined to succeed at all costs. The film also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Ice Spice (in her acting debut), Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, LaChanze, Aubrey Joseph, Michael Potts, and Wendell Pierce. Written by William Alan Fox, ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ had its premiere at Cannes and will hit theaters starting Aug. 22 through A24 before streaming on Apple TV+ from Sept. 5.

Lee has had a lengthy relationship with Cannes film festival, starting from his debut in 1989 when he competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or with his now iconic comedy-drama “Do the Right Thing.” Over the years, other works of Lee have been showcased at the festival, such as “Jungle Fever” in 1991, “Summer of Sam” in 1999, and “BlacKkKlansman,” which bagged the Grand Prix in 2018. In 2021, Lee took on the role as president of the competition jury, leading to Julia Ducournau’s “Titane” being awarded the Palme d’Or that year.

For the first time at Cannes Film Festival, two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington appears, while this is Rocky’s second appearance; Rocky previously starred in the 2015 film “Dope,” which closed the Director’s Fortnight section.

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2025-05-19 23:22