Denzel Washington & His Wife Pose for Pics in NYC

Denzel Washington stepped out with his biggest supporter by his side at the New York City premiere of his latest film, “Highest 2 Lowest.” The 70-year-old actor walked the red carpet alongside his wife, Pauletta, at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater on Monday, August 11.

The couple’s public appearance showcased their lasting partnership, which has spanned over four decades and continues to serve as one of Hollywood’s most inspiring love stories. Pauletta, 74, has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her husband’s career while maintaining her own presence in the entertainment industry.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

A Reunion with Spike Lee

The premiere was a significant moment for Washington, as “Highest 2 Lowest” represents his first collaboration with director Spike Lee since their 2006 heist thriller “Inside Man.” This latest project marks their fifth film together, with their creative partnership beginning with 1990’s “Mo’ Better Blues” and including notable works like “Malcolm X” (1992) and “He Got Game” (1998).

Speaking with People at the premiere, Lee explained his motivation for reuniting with Washington after nearly two decades apart. The 68-year-old director revealed that Washington sent him a script, and after reading it, Lee’s response was simple: “Let’s go.”

The film serves as a “reinterpretation” of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller “High and Low,” now set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City. When asked about the message he hopes to convey, Lee shared with the outlet: “It’s really about morals and the choice people make, and also the tagline from the poster [that is something] Denzel says in the film: ‘All money ain’t good money.'”

The movie also features A$AP Rocky and had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May before arriving in select theaters on August 15, with streaming availability on Apple TV+ beginning September 5.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Pauletta’s Unwavering Support

Pauletta’s presence at the premiere reflects her long-standing role as Washington’s biggest advocate. Her loyalty to her husband was evident earlier this year when she defended his work after his “Othello” revival, co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, was overlooked by the Tony Awards.

“Now see, that’s not something you want to ask me,” she told reporters with a laugh when People asked about the snub. “I can’t say that I was surprised that they didn’t.” She continued: “In my family we’ve been through this a lot of times… And I think I can speak honestly and truthfully and artistically that it was denied, you know, so you wonder why. But we don’t have to wonder why: It’s narrow-minded people that are in charge of making decisions and judgments.”

The couple’s relationship began in 1977 when they met on the set of the TV film “Wilma: The Wilma Rudolph Story,” though they didn’t begin dating until the following year. Their courtship included some memorable moments, including Pauletta turning down Washington’s marriage proposals twice before accepting on the third attempt.

“She turned me down, she said no,” Washington revealed to Access Hollywood in 2013. “And since it was three times, that means she turned me down twice.”

They finally married in June 1983 and renewed their vows in South Africa in 1995, with the ceremony officiated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The couple shares four children: John David, Katia, and twins Olivia and Malcolm, all of whom have pursued careers in entertainment.