.png)
Denzel Washington was presented with the prestigious Palme d'Or prize at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Monday.
The legendary actor, 70, was at the opening of his current film, Highest 2 Lowest, when director Spike Lee presented him with the prestigious prize.
Cannes also rescheduled several of its events to suit Denzel's travel, which coincided with his one day off while portraying Othello in New York.
Spike presented the prize, adding, "This is my brother, right here," which took the actor by surprise.
"This is a total surprise for me!" Denzel replied to receiving the accolade, stating that the festival only grants only one or two honorary Palmes per year.
Robert De Niro was also honored with one on the festival's first night. However, he was told of the honor before to his arrival.
However, this is not the first time the festival has recognized someone without prior warning.
In 2022, Tom Cruise received an honorary Palme d'Or immediately before the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.
