Lee was joined in the Cannes press conference by Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera, who plays King’s poised and skeptical wife Pam. Highest 2 Lowest marks Lee’s first collaboration with one-time muse Washington since 2006’s Inside Man.

Denzel Washington gives his most commanding screen performance in ages as a music tycoon who thinks his son has been kidnapped.

Director Spike Lee, from left, Ilfenesh Hadera and Denzel Washington pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Highest 2 Lowest' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes,

Berman has long supported visionary storytellers with something personal to say. His credits range from Sundance favorites like “Nine Days” with Winston Duke to high-profile studio titles such as Ben Affleck’s “Air.” Many of his projects have featured first-time directors and underrepresented voices.