Jafar Panahi wins Palme d'Or at Cannes for Iranian film ‘It Was Just an Accident'
The political thriller follows a former prisoner who abducts the man he believes was his torturer, sparking a tense moral struggle among fellow dissidents over whether to seek vengeance or choose forgiveness.
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been awarded the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Palme d'Or, for his latest feature, It Was Just an Accident, a drama deeply rooted in his own experiences of incarceration under the Iranian regime.
The film marks Panahi's first project since his release from prison in 2023, though the acclaimed director has defiantly continued making films over the years despite an official ban imposed by Iranian authorities. Widely hailed as his most personal work to date, It Was Just an Accident follows the intertwined lives of five former detainees who believe they've identified the anonymous figure responsible for their torture while imprisoned.
Announcing the award, jury president Juliette Binoche praised the transformative power of art, stating, 'Art mobilises the creative energy of the most precious, most alive part of us. A force that transforms darkness into forgiveness, hope and new life.'
Taking the stage to accept the prize, Panahi delivered a moving appeal for unity and freedom in Iran. 'Let us join forces,' he urged. 'No one should tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, or what we should or shouldn't do.' He emphasised that above all, the future of his country remains his deepest concern.
The win not only reaffirms Panahi's place among the world's leading auteurs but also casts a spotlight on the continued repression of artists in Iran, turning Cannes' most prestigious honor into a powerful act of solidarity.
Produced by Panahi's own Iranian production company in collaboration with France's Les Films Pelléas and Luxembourg-based partners, the film is co-produced by Philippe Martin, Sandrine Dumas and Christel Henon, with associate producers David Thion and Lilina Eche.
The ceremony also honoured a range of international voices. Chinese director Bi Gan was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Resurrection, while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d'Or for his debut feature, The President's Cake.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Broadcast Pro
Karlovy Vary IFF adds Iranian film ‘Bidad' as final Crystal Globe Competition title
The film tells the story of young singer Seti who refuses to accept the fact that women in Iran are not allowed to perform in public. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has announced that Iranian feature Bidad, directed by Soheil Beiraghi, will complete the line-up for its main Crystal Globe Competition. This brings the total number of competing films to 12. When the festival first revealed its official selection in early June, organisers disclosed that an Iranian title will join the competition but withheld its identity to protect the safety of the film's director and crew. In a statement, the festival explained that the secrecy was necessary until Beiraghi and his team could leave Iran without risk of repercussions. Bidad, which will have its world premiere at Karlovy Vary, follows the story of Seti, a young singer who refuses to accept Iran's ban on women performing publicly. Defying religious laws, she takes her music to the streets, where her performances quickly resonate with a younger generation determined to challenge the country's repressive rules. As her popularity grows, Seti becomes a symbol of resistance and hope. Beiraghi created the film independently, acknowledging that it will not have passed Iranian censorship due to its critical portrayal of the regime. Despite working outside the official system, he was still investigated by authorities while making the film. The festival expressed relief and excitement after receiving confirmation just days ago that Beiraghi and his team were safely en route to Europe. Now free to share the film publicly, Karlovy Vary has unveiled Bidad as the final entry in this year's competition slate. Bidad marks Beiraghi's fourth feature, following Me (2016), Cold Sweat (2018) and Unpopular (2020). He will personally present the premiere during the festival.
Campaign ME
3 days ago
- Campaign ME
Campaign Middle East hosts its first-ever Cannes MENA Mixer
This June, Campaign Middle East, in partnership with The Vantage and Hearst Global Solutions, hosted the first-ever Campaign Cannes MENA Mixer at the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The event hosted more than 50 top-level brand and agency marketers, along with influential personnel from the region's media and advertising industries. The event was inspired by growing participation from MENA industry players at the Festival, and offered an exclusive space for the region's industry to meet casually to catch up, celebrate and connect. 'The MENA region's involvement and participation at Cannes has grown year after year, and it was only appropriate that there was an opportunity for the jurors, clients, agencies and partners to all convene together at the advertising world's flagship week,' said Manoj Khimji, Managing Director, The Vantage, who was a title sponsor of the event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Campaign Middle East (@campaignmiddleeast) 'We were delighted to bring this to life with the support of Hearst Global Solutions in 2025. A great time was had by all and we're already planning for the 2026 edition,' he added. Some of the key leaders who were in attendance at the invite-only event included Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor, Motivate Media Group, Gianluca Ena, Senior Vice President, Hearst Global Solutions, Jessica MacDermott, Global Portfolio Director, Haymarket Media Group, Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer at Diriyah, Passant ElGhannam, Marketing Director, Kraft Heinz, Siddarth Sivaprakash Head of Brand & Marketing – Home Centre, Landmark Group, Mitin Chakraborty, Head of Marketing, Babyshop – Landmark Group, Ahmed Chatila, Brand Director, HungerStation, Ghassan Kassabji, CEO, Impact BBDO Group, Dany Naaman, CEO, Havas Middle East and more. 1/10 View the full event gallery with the link below:
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
4 days ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Escape to Le Grand Jardin: The French Riviera's Most Magical Hidden Estate
If you're craving a reset that's private, poetic, and impossibly chic – you've just found your next escape. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong and sea breeze, in a villa once owned by royalty – no crowds, no traffic, just sun-dappled serenity on your own private island. Welcome to Le Grand Jardin by Ultima Collection – the only private estate on the legendary Île Sainte-Marguerite, just off the coast of Cannes. Surrounded by turquoise waters and wild pine forest, the property feels like a world of its own – serene, cinematic, and somehow still under-the-radar. Once owned by Louis XIV and a favourite of modern day royalty and A-List celebrities, Le Grand Jardin has been masterfully reimagined into a modern sanctuary without losing an ounce of its soul. Picture stone courtyards shaded by citrus trees, botanical gardens that stretch into the sea, and architecture that whispers history in every arch and window. The estate includes 13 beautifully appointed bedrooms spread across multiple buildings – including the original watchtower, a Governor's House, and guest cottages. Inside, interiors strike the perfect balance between effortless Mediterranean charm and modern luxury. Natural textures, warm neutrals, and artfully placed antiques reflect the rhythm of the island outside, while high-tech comforts (like wellness facilities and a cinema room) ensure every moment is utterly indulgent. For those craving wellness, the experience is deeply immersive. There's a heated pool, hammam, ice bath, yoga pavilion, and even an al fresco massage table tucked beneath fragrant pines. Every detail is designed to slow you down – and spoil you, quietly. And when you feel like stepping out, you're only a short boat ride away from Cannes. And while you could easily spend your whole stay within this Mediterranean Eden, a short stroll takes you to La Guérite, the neighbouring beachside restaurant known for its sun-soaked ambience, live music, and iconic seafood platters. From sunrise yoga sessions to twilight dinners under fairy lights, Le Grand Jardin offers a retreat that feels both cinematic and sacred – where luxury isn't loud, and time seems to stretch a little longer.
