Cannes Film Festival 2025: Panahi Wins Palme d’Or Amid Award Buzz

CANNES, France – The 2025 Cannes Film Festival concluded on Saturday after two vibrant weeks filled with screenings, stars, and press events. With the awards handed out for the festival’s 78th year, industry experts are already predicting which films are poised for the next Academy Awards.

This year’s prestigious Palme d’Or was awarded to “It Was Just an Accident,” a gripping revenge tale from renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. The film tells the story of five former prisoners seeking justice against their tormentor. It marks Panahi’s first film since his ban on filmmaking was lifted by Iranian authorities who had previously imprisoned him for charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”

The victory is significant, representing the second time an Iranian film has won Cannes’ top honor, following Abbas Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherry” in 1997. This year’s jury, led by Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche, included notable industry names like Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, and Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia.

Cannes has become a critical platform for Oscar contenders in recent years. Last year, three films from the official competition earned Best Picture nominations, and four of the last five Palme d’Or winners have also secured such nominations. Films like “Parasite” and “Anora” underscore the trend of Cannes films performing well at the Oscars.

Since the Palme d’Or was established in 1955, many winners have garnered Academy Award nominations, with 19 ultimately winning Oscars. Panahi’s victory gains further weight with the film’s potential submission for Best International Feature at the upcoming Oscars, though Iran’s troubled relationship with Panahi raises questions about their possible support.

This year’s Grand Prix, the runner-up prize was awarded to “Sentimental Value,” directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. The film examines the strained relationship between an actress and her estranged father, featuring performances from actors Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård.

Other notable awards included Best Actress for Nadia Melliti, recognized for her role in “The Little Sister,” and Best Director for Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho for “The Secret Agent.” The special jury prize was shared between “Sirât” by Óliver Laxe and “Sound of Falling” by Mascha Schilinski.

This year’s festival wrapped up with anticipation as the film industry begins to focus on upcoming awards seasons, as Cannes has once again become a launching pad for Oscar contenders.