Denzel Washington managed to fit a brief visit to the Cannes Film Festival between his Broadway performances, attending the premiere of Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” on Monday — and was pleasantly surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or.

Cannes adjusted some of its schedule to accommodate Washington’s quick trip to France, which occurred on his only day off while he was performing “Othello” in New York. Thierry Frémaux, the chief of the Cannes Film Festival, surprised Washington with the award prior to the premiere on Monday night.

“This is my brother, right here,” stated Spike Lee, the film’s director, as he handed the award to Washington.

“This is completely unexpected for me,” remarked Washington.

The festival typically awards one or two honorary Palmes each year — last year, the recipients included Studio Ghibli and George Lucas. Just last week, Robert De Niro was honored with one during the festival’s opening night. Although De Niro’s award was announced beforehand, unexpected prizes are not uncommon: In 2022, Tom Cruise received a surprise honorary Palme d’Or right before the screening of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

The premiere also featured another unexpected guest: Rihanna, who walked the carpet afterward alongside her partner A$AP Rocky. Earlier this month, she disclosed at the Met Gala that she is expecting their third child.

While the festival’s photo calls generally take place the day following a film’s premiere, Cannes organized one for “Highest 2 Lowest” earlier on Monday to accommodate Washington’s attendance. The actor, playfully posing with Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky, exhibited no signs of jet lag and departed once the screening commenced.

“He instructed me to convey his gratitude: Thank you for the affection,” Lee informed the audience after the screening. “He’s currently on Broadway performing in ‘Othello,’ so it required significant effort for him to travel here. Let’s give a round of applause for Denzel Washington, please.”

Lee arrived in Cannes with thoughts of his commitments back in New York. He attended the film premiere dressed in the colors of the Knicks, sporting a blue and orange striped suit. Lee concluded his short speech at the Palais by shouting: “New York Knicks!”

The ability of Washington to make the journey had been a point of contention for Cannes. When the festival initially revealed its lineup last month, “Highest 2 Lowest” was not part of it. However, within hours, Lee himself declared that the film would be showcased at Cannes. Festival representatives mentioned that they had been awaiting confirmation of Washington’s attendance to walk the red carpet.