Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Debuts with Star-Studded Premiere in Los Angeles
The highly anticipated new film from acclaimed director Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest, premiered Wednesday, August 13th, at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, drawing an A-list crowd of Hollywood’s brightest stars. The event celebrated the unveiling of Lee’s latest cinematic work, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic, High and Low, and showcased a remarkable gathering of talent both in front of and behind the camera.
The premiere was attended by the film’s leading cast, including Denzel Washington, Aubrey Joseph, Elijah Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and Aiyana-Lee. Joining them were notable figures such as Cynthia Erivo, Lena Waithe, Damson Idris, Miguel, Martin Lawrence, Bill Bellamy, Pauletta Washington, George Tillman Jr., Garcelle Beauvais, Karen Pittman, Gallant, GIVĒON, Rick Fox, Jaden Smith, and Jharrel Jerome, among many others.
Before the screening, guests were prompted to reflect on their own journeys, considering how they’ve navigated life’s challenges and celebrated triumphs. A common thread emerged, with many attributing their resilience to faith. “One day does not define your entire life,” encouraged Rick Fox, offering a message of hope. “Just hold onto the faith that tomorrow [will] bring something brighter.”
For Aiyana-Lee, making her acting debut in Highest 2 Lowest, the experience of hardship is integral to appreciating joy. “For me, it’s transforming pain into art,” she explained, highlighting the power of creative expression as a coping mechanism.
Denzel Washington, a frequent collaborator with Lee, offered a succinct expression of gratitude for his successes, exclaiming “Amen, thank you Jesus.” Attendees noted the palpable affection between Washington and his wife, Pauletta, as they graced the red carpet.
Highest 2 Lowest draws inspiration from High and Low, which itself was based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel, King’s Ransom. This collaboration marks the fifth time Lee and Washington have joined forces, solidifying a powerful and enduring partnership in filmmaking.
[Image of Spike Lee – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of A$AP Rocky – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Pauletta, Denzel Washington – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Aubrey Joseph – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Elijah Wright – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Aiyana-Lee – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Ilfenesh Hadera – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Sasha Fox, Rick Fox – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Cast of ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Gallant – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Coco Jones – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Karen Pittman – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Terry Crews – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Caleb Oyelowo, David Oyelowo – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Loni Love – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Garcelle Beauvais – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Jermaine Crawford – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Jensen McRae – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Sierra Capri – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Miguel – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Bill Bellamy – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
[Image of Shamicka Gibbs, Martin Lawrence – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Rashad Corey – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Charlie Barnett, Corbin Reid – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Sasheer Zamata – Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images]
[Image of Marcia Tillman, George Tillman Jr. – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Dua Saleh – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Bill Bellamy, Rick Fox, A$AP Rocky – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
[Image of Jaden Smith, Spike Lee – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Rick Fox, ASAP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera, Aiyana-Lee, Spike Lee – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of A$AP Rocky with his mother, Renee Black – Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images]
[Image of Paula Patton, Spike Lee – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
[Image of Dannella Lane, Lil Rel Howery – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
[Image of Rick Fox, A$AP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
[Image of GIVĒON, Rick Rox, Damson Idris – Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images]
More highlights from the premiere and after-party are expected to surface in the coming days, offering a deeper look into this highly anticipated cinematic event.
