Something may have been lost in translation as Denzel Washington ended up having a very tense standoff with a photographer.

In a very public confrontation, Denzel Washington appeared to call out a photographer while he was attending the premiere of his movie Highest 2 Lowest at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19.

While walking with co-star A$AP Rocky, Washington was pulled on his suit jacket by one of the photographers.

This small act seemed to set everything off.

Speaking to the Mail Online, lip reader Jeremy Freeman commented on what he believes Washington said to the photographer when he confronted him.

Denzel Washington confronted a photographer after he tried to grab him (Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Turning to the photographers, according to Freeman, Washington appeared to say: “Hey, one – one more time, stop.

“Let me tell you – stop, stop – never put your hands on me again.”

Washington also points his finger in the face of the photographer who seemingly doesn’t see that the actor is serious, grinning ear to ear back at him.

Washington added: “I’m talking to you, stop, all right.”

Freeman also stated the photographer replied to Washington by saying ‘not allowed’ before laughing and adding: “Yes, yes, yes.”

But things didn’t seem to end there, clearly frustrating the actor further.

After the tense exchange, the photographer again grabs at Washington and appears to ask ‘can I take a picture?’, according to Freeman.

Washington seemingly tried to keep his temper in check, brushing off the grab and shouting back: “Stop, stop it, stop it. I mean it. Stop, stop it.”

The video of the moment has begun to spread on social media with many other people weighing in on the surprise encounter.

One person said: “He clearly said ‘don’t ever put your hands on me again’ and he did it again to provoke him into a moment. YUCK.”

People on social media defended Washington for hitting back at the photographer (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

With another said: “I don’t get that stuff. These folks are around people all day, every day grabbing at them and asking them for stuff. Not a life I’d ever want, I see stuff like how Denzel reacted and I give him the total pass.”

A third joked: “Denzel ‘UNHAND ME’ Washington lol.”

Following the incident, Washington was handed an honorary Palme d’Or by frequent collaborator Spike Lee, which he said was a ‘total surprise’.

He said: “I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.

“You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure.”

UNILAD has contacted Denzel Washington’s representatives for a comment.