Denzel Washington appeared to get heated with a photographer at Cannes Movie Competition … and he may very well be seen warning the aggressive man on the pink carpet to form up.

The tremendous tense trade occurred Monday whereas the Hollywood famous person attended the world premiere for his newest movie — Spike Lee‘s “Highest 2 Lowest.”

It is clear from the forwards and backwards that the photog did one thing to piss DW off … which all culminated when the man appeared to seize Denzel’s elbow, which actually appeared to infuriate the actor.

A visibly irritated Denzel saved telling the dude to “cease” no matter it was he was doing — whereas it seemed just like the photographer was pleading his case for needing to accost him.

Value noting, this is not the primary time DW has instructed a photog to behave proper … checking a bunch of paparazzi exterior NYC’s Museum of Trendy Artwork final October.

Nonetheless, it is a good wager Denzel’s temper shortly shifted on Sunday … as shortly thereafter, the Oscar-winner was stunned with an honorary Palme d’Or honor earlier than the movie’s premiere.

A supply with information tells TMZ … Denzel is already on his approach again to NYC to prepare for an additional sold-out exhibiting of his ultra-popular Broadway run of “Othello.”