Denzel Washington receives surprise lifetime award in Cannes
CANNES - Rapper A$AP Rocky and his partner Rihanna watched on as Denzel Washington received a surprise lifetime award at the Cannes film festival on Monday.
Washington was at the festival for the first time for the premiere of his latest film with director Spike Lee, "Highest 2 Lowest".
The two-time Oscar-winning actor was presented with an honorary Palme d'Or by festival chiefs Thierry Fremaux and Iris Knobloch before the screening, where A$AP Rocky and Rihanna were among the VIPs.
A$AP Rocky is Washington's co-star in "Highest 2 Lowest", extending an acting career that includes "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" by Mary Bronstein, which showed at the Berlin film festival in February.
Before handing over the prize to Washington, Fremaux introduced a montage of Washington's memorable performances including in "Malcolm X" and "Mo' Better Blues", both directed by Lee.
Clips were also shown from "Glory", which earned him an Oscar for best supporting actor in 1989, and "Training Day", for which he won best actor in 2002.
The cast of "Highest 2 Lowest" put on a show on the Cannes red carpet, with Spike Lee in an orange pinstripe suit, round glasses and an orange-and-blue hat, and A$AP Rocky showing off a gold dental piece.
Although Cannes usually hands out honorary awards in dedicated ceremonies, it is not unusual for actors to receive them unexpectedly —- as happened with Harrison Ford at the premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" in 2023.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Jennifer Lopez shines in new teaser for 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'
Jennifer Lopez is back on the big screen, dazzling in the newly released teaser trailer for the much-anticipated musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman . Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Bill Condon, this film promises a captivating blend of drama, music, and powerful storytelling. The film is an adaptation of the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. It tells the story of two cellmates in a South American prison: Valentín, a political prisoner played by Diego Luna, and Molina, portrayed by Tonatiuh, according to ABC. The two men form an unlikely bond, with Molina sharing tales from his favourite Hollywood musical, which stars Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna. In the teaser, Lopez mesmerises viewers with a performance of Where You Are, one of the musical's 13 songs. The trailer captures the glitz and glamour of classic Hollywood, contrasting sharply with the grim prison setting. Molina's love for movies becomes a lifeline, a way to escape harsh reality. 'I couldn't live without movies,' Molina says, highlighting cinema's power to transform and heal. Jennifer Lopez, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Diego Luna, brings star power and depth to the film. Speaking about the project, Lopez said, 'This story is about hope and resilience. It's about finding light in the darkest places.' Her involvement adds a fresh vibrancy to the production, making it a must-see for fans of musical drama and compelling narratives. The film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, receiving praise for its performances and direction. With its October release, South African cinema lovers can soon experience this poignant tale on the big screen. The movie's themes of friendship, identity, and survival resonate universally, making it especially relevant in today's world. Jennifer Lopez's return in Kiss of the Spider Woman is a thrilling event for film fans. With its powerful story, stellar cast, and memorable music, this film promises to be a highlight of the year's cinema calendar. 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.
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Chweneyagae remembered not only as a gifted performer and entertainer, but as a father, friend, and inspiration
JOHANNESBURG - Family, friends, and industry colleagues gathered to remember the late Presley Chweneyagae, all echoing the same sentiment - honouring the actor for his brilliance and authenticity as a performer. The 40-year-old Tsotsi star, who passed away last week due to respiratory complications, was laid to rest on Saturday. ALSO READ: Chweneyagae began his acting career at just 10-years-old, rising to international acclaim decades later for his leading role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. The Akasia Community Hall was filled with emotion as hundreds of mourners came together in grief and celebration of a life well lived. Speaker after speaker remembered Chweneyagae not only as a gifted performer and entertainer, but as a father, friend, and inspiration. All who took to the podium spoke of how his work touched lives and how he led by example through his craft. His longtime mentor, Aubrey Sekhabi, described Chweneyagae as someone who connected deeply with both character and audience. "With honesty and vulnerability and care, Presley didnt act, he became, he felt, he allowed us to feel too. He could think on his toes, he was so spontaneous." Chweneyagae was laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria.
The Herald
6 hours ago
- The Herald
It's opera time in Nelson Mandela Bay
After a show-stopping run that left audiences beaming — A Night at the Opera makes its long-awaited return to the Savoy Theatre in June. Presented by Impact Community Theatre, this beloved concert series promises another dazzling celebration of operatic excellence. Originally launched in 2015 by the then-Gilbert & Sullivan Society, A Night at the Opera quickly became a mainstay in the Nelson Mandela Bay arts calendar, winning hearts with its grand staging, virtuosic voices and crowd-pleasing repertoire. Now, after a three-year hiatus, the production is back — revitalised, reimagined, and ready to captivate audiences once more. The 2025 revival brings together a powerhouse ensemble of South African opera talent, both seasoned and emerging. Among the featured performers are celebrated local voices including Liske Hemingway, Lindokuhle Gushu, Kelly le Roux and Jabulile Ngowebu. They are joined by a new wave of rising stars, including Impact award winners Khuselo Gqiba and Lethabo Makuruetsa, as well as Nelson Mandela University's most promising young artists. Guiding the production are two stalwarts of the local stage, director Rose Cowpar and musical director Thuba Myeki. Their combined expertise and passion promise to deliver a show that is not only technically superb but also deeply moving. Audiences can expect a rich programme of operatic gems — from sweeping romantic duets to spirited ensembles. The line-up includes timeless classics from operas like La Traviata , Lakmé , Rigoletto , La Bohème and Così fan tutte . Signature highlights include The Flower Duet , Un di Felice , Song to the Moon , Brindisi , the nostalgic favourite Liefling , and the epic crossover anthem Barcelona . While the production certainly delights seasoned opera fans, A Night at the Opera is designed to be accessible for all. 'You will be surprised how many of these melodies you already know,' Cowpar said. 'This show isn't just for opera buffs — it's for anyone who enjoys beautiful music and passionate performances.' Performances will run from Thursday June 26 to Sunday June 29 at the Savoy Theatre. Audiences can choose between intimate cabaret-style seating or traditional rows. The venue also features a full-service cash bar and a coffee bar to round out the evening's experience. Ticket prices range from R120 to R150 and are available online via Webtickets. The Herald
