Cannes 2025: Jafar Panahi’s "It Was Just an Accident" Captures the Coveted Palme d’Or Amidst Festival Ups and Downs

CANNES, France — The 2025 Cannes Film Festival showcased a blend of emotions as filmmakers and audiences eagerly anticipated this year’s prestigious Palme d’Or winner. As the festival approached its climax, many speculated whether the coveted award would go to Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” or Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just An Accident.” Ultimately, it was Panahi’s film that captured the top honor. The Cannes Film Awards are regarded as an early indicator of the awards season, with recent history favoring films that perform well here. In fact, four of the last five Palme d’Or recipients … Read more

Jafar Panahi Triumphs at Cannes: "An Ordinary Accident" Takes Home the Palme d’Or

CANNES, France — Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s latest drama, “An Ordinary Accident,” has secured the prestigious title of best feature film during the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The announcement was made at the event’s closing ceremony, which aired on France 2. This achievement marks another significant milestone in Panahi’s remarkable career at Cannes. He previously garnered the “Golden Camera” for his debut film, “White Ball,” in 1995. His film “Three Faces” won best screenplay in 2018, and in 2022, he received a special jury prize for “Without Bears.” The Grand Prix, the festival’s second most … Read more