Denzel Washington receives major surprise at Cannes Film Festival

Denzel Washington was honoured with the esteemed Palme d'Or award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Monday.

The veteran actor, 70, was at the premiere of his latest film Highest 2 Lowest when director Spike Lee conferred him the rare award.

Cannes also changed some of its scheduling to accommodate Denzel's trip, which came amid his lone off-day while performing Othello in New York.

Spike handed over the award, saying, "This is my brother, right here," which caught the actor by surprise.

"This is a total surprise for me!" Denzel responded upon receipt of the award as the festival gives out only one or two honorary Palmes each edition.

Robert De Niro was also honoured with one on the festival's opening night. However, he was informed of the honour prior to his attendance.

However, this isn't the first time the festival has honoured someone without prior notice.

In 2022, Tom Cruise was surprised with an honorary Palme d'Or just before the screening of Top Gun: Maverick.