Denzel Washington ‘blessed beyond measure' after surprise tribute at Cannes Film Festival
Washington said being an actor and having a career in the performing arts was a privilege.
World-renowned US actor Denzel Washington was pleasantly surprised when he was awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
'This is a total surprise for me, so I'm a bit emotional,' said the actor in an impromptu acceptance speech.
Cannes just surprised an emotional Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d'Or pic.twitter.com/6lUODgwKHf — Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) May 19, 2025
The Palme d'Or, which in English means Golden Palm, is primarily awarded to the director of the winning feature film at the Cannes Film Festival. It was first awarded in 1955.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off a week ago and will run until May 24. In its first week, the festival's organisers awarded actor Robert De Niro for his career achievements.
ALSO READ: Denzel Washington given Presidential Medal of Freedom weeks after being baptised and getting minister's licence [VIDEO]
'We're a very privileged group'
Washington is a cast member of the film, Highest 2 Lowest, which is directed by his friend and long-time collaborator Spike Lee.
'But from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It's a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — my brother from another mother, Spike,' said Washington.
The two iconic figures of American film have worked together on some classic movies, such as Mo Better Blues and He Got Game, but the Malcolm X biopic based on the activist's life is probably their most memorable.
Directing his message to those inside the room, the 70-year-old actor said being an actor and having a career in the performing arts was a privilege.
'To be here, once again in Cannes, we're a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies, wear tuxedos, nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well. We're just blessed beyond measure…I'm blessed beyond measure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.'
ALSO READ: Could these risky celebs be behind Cannes Film Festival's decision to clamp down on nudity?
Red carpet altercation
Before the ceremony started, Washington got into a stand-off with one of the photographers on the red carpet.
Not sure who this reporter at #CannesFilmFestival is that lost his mind & thinks it's OK to put his hands on Denzel Washington, but clearly someone hasn't seen The Equalizer. I said unhand my king!! Take two steps back! Do you have any idea who you're fucking with, sir? Back off! pic.twitter.com/FUJd6M9Fb8 — Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) May 19, 2025
It's unknown what irritated the two-time Oscar-winner. Still, in the videos circulating online, he can be seen asking the photographer to stop; however, it's not clear what he was asking the cameraman to stop doing.
NOW READ: Cartoonist Zapiro receives 'particularly special' honorary doctorate from University of Pretoria
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
15 hours ago
- The South African
Jackie Chan reveals how country music helped him learn English
Martial arts legend Jackie Chan, now 71, recently shared a charming and unexpected story on The Kelly Clarkson Show that will resonate with fans worldwide. The Hong Kong-born star revealed that he learned to speak English by listening to country music. Jackie Chan explained that when he first arrived in the United States, he struggled to understand directors on film sets. 'I didn't understand what they were saying,' he admitted. 'I had to rely on my dialogue coach to translate.' But he found a clever solution: he listened to country songs because 'country songs are slow.' This made it easier for him to catch the words and learn the language gradually, according to People. In a delightful moment on the show, Chan then serenaded host Kelly Clarkson with the chorus of Willie Nelson's classic Always on My Mind . The audience erupted in applause, and Clarkson was visibly moved, saying, 'I'm sorry, I just got serenaded by Jackie Chan. That's how I'm going to take this day away.' It was a rare and heartwarming glimpse of the actor's softer side. He showed off his singing skills alongside his martial arts prowess. The song Always on My Mind has a rich history. The song was first recorded in the early 1970s and famously covered by Elvis Presley before Willie Nelson made it his own in 1982. It's a haunting ballad about love and regret, and its slower tempo made it perfect for Chan's English-learning journey. Jackie Chan's story is especially inspiring for South Africans, where English is widely spoken but often learned as a second or third language. His approach shows the power of music as a tool for language acquisition, a universal lesson that transcends borders and cultures. The actor appeared on the show alongside his Karate Kid: Legends co-stars Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang. Macchio, 63, also revealed that after 41 years, he finally earned his black belt in karate. This was a testament to dedication and perseverance that echoes Chan's career. Karate Kid: Legends , featuring Jackie Chan reprising his role as Mr. Han, is now showing in cinemas, offering local audiences a chance to see their hero in action once again. As Chan put it on the show, 'I learn English in country songs, because country songs are slow.' Jackie Chan's story is proof that sometimes the best teachers come in unexpected forms, even a country ballad from Texas can open doors worldwide. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
WATCH: The proper way to eat a banana, according to an etiquette expert
You've been eating a banana incorrectly according to an expert. Image: Aleksandar Pasaric / Pexels How do you eat a banana? Seems like a no-brainer, right? You grab it, peel it, and munch away. However, an etiquette expert is trying to convince you that you're doing it all wrong. William Hanson, an etiquette coach at the English Manner in London, is no stranger to telling people how to behave in public. From how to eat rice to how to hold your knife when eating, his methods, while meant to be the proper English ways to do things, can often seem a bit over the top. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In his latest 'how-to' video, he illustrates the proper and somewhat bizarre way to eat a banana. Seated in what looks like the setting for a six-course tasting menu, Hanson sits in front of a single, lonely banana resting regally on a plate and tells fans, 'We don't pick it up and peel it like a primate.' He then proceeds to demonstrate, using a knife and fork, how to peel it and eat it. He begins by cutting off both ends of the banana. 'Then, turning your knife on its side, score down the skin, peel back and eat like so,' he explains as he slices the banana, then uses his fork to eat one slice at a time. The video captioned 'This is the only way you should be eating a banana' has amassed 18 million views, with over 40,000 people jumping into the comment section. While most viewers were amused by how ridiculous it is, others zeroed in on Hanson's 'primate' remark. One commenter helpfully pointed out, 'Human beings are primates. You mean like a non-human primate.' Another chimed in with, 'Bruh, you offended the entire world's population.' 'We ARE primates! Bananas are obviously meant to be peeled. No knife and fork required unless you're a ridiculous snob,' said another viewer. 'But Mr Hanson, we are primates. The divide between etiquette and pretence isn't a osmosis membrane,' chirped another. Surely, even those who eat pizza with a knife and fork will agree that this is taking things too far.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Shock twist: Orlando Pirates tipped to make big announcement
Days after confirming his departure, Orlando Pirates FC are reportedly set to welcome one of their legends back to the club! The Buccaneers are set to begin a new chapter in their glorious history next season. This comes after the Soweto giants said goodbye to legendary coach Jose Riveiro. Part of their new future however, will reportedly be a familiar face who came through their academy and made a name for himself at the club! READ MORE • Transfer report: Kaizer Chiefs sign Orlando Pirates superstar! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to star PSL signing! According to the latest transfer gossip, Innocent Maela is set to return to the Buccaneers! Maela was released by the club last week, ending an eight-year spell at the Buccaneers. The Bucs academy graduate, who would later become their captain has been tipped to land a 'new role' at Orlando Pirates. 'At the moment, everyone is tight-lipped as to what's his next move but the club will make an announcement,' – an insider told The Citizen . 'He's open to the idea of staying at the club and contributing in a different role. The club still values him and supported him when he struggled with injuries this season.' It remains to be seen whether Maela's potential return will involve coaching or adminstration. Rest assured, this website will bring you all of the latest updates from Mayfair as it unfolds. READ MORE • English club enter race to sign Orlando Pirates and Bafana star! Do you want to see the return of Maela? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
