Stars Light Up the Premiere of Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest"

The New York premiere of Spike Lee's highly anticipated film "Highest 2 Lowest" brought Hollywood royalty and music icons to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. From Denzel Washington's understated elegance to A$AP Rocky's high fashion and Ice Spice's glamorous appearance, the red carpet was a dazzling spectacle of star power.

Brenda Ochieng'
August 14, 2025

Cindy Ord / Staff via Getty Images

Even across continents, the buzz from the New York premiere of Spike Lee’s latest cinematic offering, "Highest 2 Lowest," has reached the vibrant streets of Nairobi and Kiambu County. On Monday night (August 11th, in the American calendar), the Brooklyn Academy of Music played host to a constellation of stars who graced the red carpet for the unveiling of what promises to be another thought-provoking and visually striking film from the iconic director.
The premiere saw a convergence of acting legends and music sensations. A$AP Rocky, who takes on the role of Yung Felon in the film, made a striking appearance in a suit from Celine’s spring 2026 ready−to−wear collection, complemented by signature shades from his collaboration with Ray−Ban. While his partner, Rihanna, who is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child, was not present, A$AP Rocky was in high spirits, surrounded by friends at the after-party celebrations.

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Keeping it classic and sophisticated, the legendary Denzel Washington arrived with his wife, Pauletta Washington, opting for a more relaxed yet undeniably stylish ensemble. The man of the hour, Spike Lee himself, paid a sartorial homage to the film's inspiration, Akira Kurosawa’s "High and Low," with a striking black-and-white shirt featuring iconic scenes from the 1963 cinematic masterpiece. This thoughtful detail underscored Lee’s reverence for the source material while putting his own distinct stamp on the narrative.
The leading ladies of the cast also made a significant impact on the red carpet. Rising music star Ice Spice, who makes her acting debut as Marisol Cepeda, turned heads in a chic gray corseted mini dress paired with matching sandal heels. While her role in the film has been kept largely under wraps in the trailers, anticipation is high among her fans to see her transition to the big screen when "Highest 2 Lowest" hits theaters this Friday (August 15th, in the US).
Adding to the glamour, actress Ilfenesh Hadera stunned in a flowing brown translucent dress, exuding elegance and sophistication. Meanwhile, the always vibrant Rosie Perez made a bold statement in a striking leopard print ensemble, showcasing her signature flair and confidence.

About the Author

Brenda Ochieng'

Brenda Ochieng'

Brenda Ochieng' is a passionate storyteller and film enthusiast. With a background in film and video production and she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to her work. As a dedicated blogger, Brenda loves sharing insights on production techniques, blogging, and the art of storytelling. She is also a skilled editor and communicator, bringing a fresh perspective to her writing. Join Brenda as she delves into the captivating world of entertainment and news, sharing her knowledge and passion with you.

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