Jafar Panahi, the Iranian dissident filmmaker, garnered the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his revenge thriller, “It Was Just an Accident”. This recognition is particularly poignant as Panahi has faced a 15-year ban from leaving Iran, and he was previously imprisoned before undertaking a hunger strike in protest.
Cate Blanchett had the honor of presenting the award to Panahi, prompting a resounding standing ovation from the audience, showcasing the support from the international film community. This win also highlights an extraordinary trend, as the indie distributor Neon has consistently backed the last six Palme d’Or winners, further cementing its influence in the film industry. Neon’s impressive streak includes notable films such as “Parasite” and “Titane.”
The Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony experienced a dramatic backdrop, marred by a significant power outage linked to suspected arson, just hours before the red carpet events commenced. Fortunately, power was restored in time for the festivities.
In addition to Panahi’s triumph, other notable accolades were presented during the ceremony. Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” received the Grand Prix, while Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” won both best director and best actor for Wagner Moura. The jury prize was shared by Óliver Laxe’s “Sirât” and Mascha Schilinski’s “Sound of Falling.” Nadia Melliti won best actress for her role in “The Little Sister”, and the Dardennes brothers were recognized for their screenplay in “Young Mothers.”
Significantly, Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake” marked a historic moment, as it became the first Iraqi film to receive an award at the festival, winning best first film.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also served as a platform for addressing geopolitical issues. Just prior to the festival, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested imposing tariffs on overseas films, a move that many filmmakers criticized as impractical. Wes Anderson, who showcased his latest work “The Phoenician Scheme,” exemplified the industry’s mixed responses to such political maneuvers.
This year’s festival reaffirmed the powerful intersection of art and politics while celebrating diverse voices within cinema. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of filmmakers like Panahi, who continue to push boundaries despite significant challenges.