Accidental Triumph: Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or Victory

UPDATE: In a celebratory return to the Cannes Film Festival, after 22 years since his last attendance, Iranian director Jafar Panahi received the Palme d’Or for his film It Was Just an Accident.

Panahi, who has faced numerous challenges under Iran’s authoritarian regime—including multiple arrests, sentences, and restrictions—emotionally addressed the audience from the Lumière stage, saying, “Let’s set aside our differences; our priority must be our country and its freedom.”

With cheers from the audience, he added, “Let’s work together towards a time when no one dictates what we should include, say, or do… Cinema embodies society. No one should restrict our creativity.”

In a notable acquisition, Neon secured It Was Just an Accident earlier this week, further adding to its collection which includes Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier, who dedicated his award to his grandfather.

Brazil also shone at the festival, with Wagner Moura winning Best Actor for his role in Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, which also secured the Best Director award.

PREVIOUS, 9:36am PT: The Cannes Film Festival’s final day features the presentation of awards, including the prestigious Palme d’Or (stay tuned for live updates on the winners).

Among those gracing the red carpet today were Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning, Resurrection director Bi Gan along with his cast, Sirat director Oliver Laxe, and Two Prosecutors director Sergei Loznitsa.