Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for his latest work It Was Just an Accident. The Palme d’Or is the Cannes Film Festival’s most prestigious award each year.
The film is the latest work by Panahi, who is known for his criticism of the Iranian government, and has been arrested several times. He made this film without obtaining official permission from the Iranian authorities.
Critically acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi-having endured arrest, detention, and a ban on his work in his home country for his bold, statement-making works-won top honors at the festival.
This marks Panahi’s return to Cannes after more than two decades, after his 15-year travel ban by the Iranian government was lifted in 2023. Panahi received the award from actress Juliette Binoche and her partner, Cate Blanchett.
The movie “It Was Just an Accident” revolves around the story of Eghbal (Ebrahim Azizi), who was driving one night with his pregnant wife. On the way, he accidentally hits a dog which results in the animal’s death.
This unfortunate incident damaged his vehicle’s engine and made his car break down in the middle of the road. Eghbal sought help and pulled over to a nearby garage owned by Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri).
Unbeknownst to Eghbal, he bears a resemblance to an officer who once mistreated Vahid in prison, ruining his life. This seemingly trivial accident triggers a series of events that gradually worsen the situation.
Besides “It Was Just an Accident,” the Brazilian thriller “The Secret Agent” also won two awards, for Best Director (Kleber Mendonça Filho) and Best Actor (Wagner Moura).
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List of 2025 Cannes Film Festival Winners
Palme d’Or
Jafar Panahi — It Was Just an Accident
Grand Prix
Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
Jury Prize
Tie: Mascha Schilinski — Sound of Falling; Oliver Laxe — Sirat
Best Director
Kleber Mendonça Filho — The Secret Agent
Best Screenplay
Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne — Young Mothers
Best Actress
Nadia Melliti —The Little Sister
Best Actor
Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent
Special Prize
Bi Gan — Resurrection
Camera d’Or for Best First Film
Hassan Hadi — The President’s Cake
Palme d’Or for Best Short Film
Tawfeek Barhom — I’m Glad You’re Dead Now
