Iranian dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi wins Palme d'Or at Cannes

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has won the top honour at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. His film, 'It Was Just an Accident', took home the prestigious Palme d’Or. The festival featured 22 films in its main competition.The Palme d'Or was presented by acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett on Saturday night. Panahi, known for his bold criticism of the Iranian government, has faced multiple arrests over the years and a 15-year travel ban for his outspoken criticism of the Islamic Republic. The audience gave Panahi a standing ovation as the award was announced. On stage, he spoke about the importance of freedom in Iran, saying, “No one should tell people what to wear, or what not to say.”  He called for unity among Iranians worldwide in their struggle for freedom at home.  "Let's set aside our differences. The important thing now is the freedom of our country, so that no one would dare to tell us what to wear or what film to make," he said.

C’EST DIT. « Le plus important est notre pays avec l’espoir que nous atteignons au plus vite la liberté. »

Jafar Panahi, lauréat de la Palme d’or du @Festival_Cannes 2025 pour « Un simple accident », samedi 24 mai 2025.

Source vidéo : @FranceTV pic.twitter.com/qHw1NerM4n

— Armin Arefi (@arminarefi) May 24, 2025

Japanese director Hayakawa Chie’s film Renoir, starring Suzuki Yui, was also nominated but did not win the top prize. Other honours include the Grand Prix for "Sentimental Value" by Joachim Trier, two awards for Brazilian director Kléber Mendonça Filho’s "The Secret Agent", and Best Actress for Nadia Melliti in "The Little Sister". The Dardenne brothers take home the Best Screenplay award for "Young Mothers". Cannes is considered one of the world’s most important film festivals, alongside those in Venice and Berlin.