Bill Bellamy

The newest Spike Lee joint, Highest 2 Lowestmade its debut in Los Angeles at the Academy Museum on Wednesday (Aug. 13).

The leading cast — Denzel WashingtonAubrey Joseph, Elijah Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rockyand Aiyana-Lee — were all in attendance at the star-studded affair. Fellow attendees included Cynthia ErivoLena Waithe, Damson Idris, MiguelMartin Lawrence, Bill BellamyPauletta Washington, George Tillman Jr., Garcelle Beauvais, Karen PittmanGallant, GIVĒON, Rick FoxJaden Smith, Jharrel Jerome, and more.

Before we collectively gathered inside the intimate setting to be among the first to witness Lee’s latest masterpiece, we asked guests how they’ve overcome their personal lowest lows and celebrated their highest highs. Most have powered through the dark times by holding onto their faith. “One day does not define your entire life,” Rick Fox encouraged. “Just hold onto the faith that tomorrow [will] bring something brighter.”

For rising star, Aiyana-Lee — who makes her acting debut in the film — she noted that you have to “feel” the low to be able to enjoy the high. “For me, it’s transforming pain into art,” she explained.

Washington doesn’t even acknowledge his lowest low, but did exclaim that he celebrated his highest with an “Amen, thank you Jesus.” It was beautiful to witness him and his wife, Paulettabasking in a glow of eternal love as they made their way down the carpet.

Highest 2 Lowest is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 Japanese drama, High and Low— which was loosely based on Ed McBain (Evan Hunter)’s 1959 novel, King’s Ransom. The cinematic thriller also marks Lee and Washington’s fifth collaboration together.

Check out more highlights from the A-list premiere and after party below.