The fest's highest honor for an individual was presented to the Oscar winner ahead of the premiere of his latest film, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' which is screening out of competition this year.

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have walked a long road together. The director and actor’s collaboration has run for 35 years, starting with “Mo’Better Blues” and including the seminal “Malcolm X.” But one thing they’ve never done is ascend the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival as comrades in arms.

Denzel Washington got a surprise Palme d'Or honor from the Cannes Film Festival ahead of Monday night's world premiere of Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest.'