Cannes 2025: Denzel's Red Carpet Clash and De Niro's Trump Tirade Steal the Spotlight

Cannes 2025: Denzel's Red Carpet Clash and De Niro's Trump Tirade Steal the Spotlight

The 78th Cannes Film Festival has been nothing short of eventful, with Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Robert De Niro making headlines not involving their movies.

Denzel Washington's Red Carpet Incident

During the premiere of Spike Lee's latest film 'Highest 2 Lowest', Denzel Washington found himself in a heated row on the red carpet. A photographer reportedly grabbed the actor's arm to get his attention, leading the Oscar winner to shout: “Hey, one—one more time, stop. Let me tell you—stop, stop—never put your hands on me again."

Denzel received an honorary Palme d'Or that evening, presented by director Spike Lee. In his acceptance speech, he said: "This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional. But, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all."

Robert De Niro's Political Statement

Robert De Niro was honoured with a Palme d'Or for his career and used his acceptance speech to deliver a scathing critique of US President Donald Trump. Though he didn't mention the President by name, the Hollywood superstar referred to him as a "philistine president" and condemned his administration's attacks on the arts, including proposed tariffs on foreign films and cuts to cultural funding.

He said: “In my country, we’re fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. And that affects all of us here because the arts are democratic. Art is inclusive. It brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth, art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat - that’s why we are a threat - to autocrats and fascists.”

Scarlett Johansson's Directorial Debut

Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson stepped behind the camera for her first directorial venture, 'Eleanor the Great'. The film, starring 95-year-old June Squibb, explores themes of friendship, loss, and reinvention. June's portrayal of Eleanor, a widow navigating life in a Florida retirement community, earned her a six-minute standing ovation.

Jennifer Lawrence Return

Jennifer Lawrence made a striking return to the Cannes red carpet, starring in Lynne Ramsay’s psychological drama 'Die, My Love'. In the movie, the blonde beauty portrays a woman grappling with postnatal depression.

The Oscar winner delivered a raw performance that captivated the audience. After the movie was screened, it received a six-minute standing ovation.

Jennifer - who was also a producer on the film - revealed: "When I first read the book, it was so devastating and powerful. I had just had my first child, and there’s not really anything like postpartum. It’s extremely isolating."

The 34-year-old actress was also seen giving the middle finger at co-star Robert Pattinson after he accidentally stepped on her Dior gown - footage of which quickly went viral.

Kristen Stewart Steps Behind the Camera

Kristen Stewart unveiled her first feature as a director, 'The Chronology of Water', an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir.

Sharing her transition into directing, she said: "I spoke to other actors when I was really little because I was always like: 'I want to direct movies!' I was fully set down by several people who were like: 'Why?' and 'No.'"

Dakota Johnson’s Hollywood Swipe

Dakota Johnson made waves for announcing her upcoming feature directorial debut - and taking a pointed swipe at Hollywood in the process.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, she told film bible Variety "So much of why I wanted to start a production company and make my own movies is because I want more from this industry. I want more from my experience as an artist. I felt so thirsty for more conversation and more creativity and more collaboration.”

Sharing her own experiences, she added: "I found myself as an actor, a few times, showing up to the premiere of a movie to see it the first time and saying, ‘Woah. That is not what I thought we were making.’ That is such a weird thing to do.”