The 78th Cannes Film Festival

From May 13 to May 24, 2025, the 78th Festival de Cannes brought together filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world to celebrate the art of cinema. Under the presidency of Juliette Binoche, the festival showcased a diverse selection of films, many of which tackled social and political themes with depth and originality.

Palme d’Or: Un Simple Accident by Jafar Panahi

Jafar Panahi’s Un Simple Accident is a gripping political thriller that delves into moral dilemmas and justice. Shot in secrecy due to Panahi’s restrictions in Iran, the film follows Vahid, a mechanic who was once imprisoned for alleged crimes against the regime. When he believes he has identified one of his former torturers—recognized only by the sound of his prosthetic leg—he embarks on a quest for vengeance. However, as he gathers other victims to confront the man, doubt creeps in: is he truly the perpetrator, or just another casualty of a broken system? The film’s minimalist cinematography and intense performances create a haunting atmosphere, leaving audiences questioning the thin line between victim and oppressor.

Grand Prix: Valeur Sentimentale by Joachim Trier

Joachim Trier’s Valeur Sentimentale is a deeply emotional family drama that explores memory, loss, and reconciliation. The film follows Nora and Agnès, two sisters who must confront their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned filmmaker who has returned after years of absence. When Gustav offers Nora a role in his latest film, she refuses, forcing him to cast a young Hollywood star instead. As the production unfolds, old wounds resurface, and the family is forced to confront unspoken truths. Trier’s delicate storytelling and nuanced performances make this a poignant meditation on art, family, and the passage of time.

Best Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho for L’Agent Secret

Set in 1977 Brazil, L’Agent Secret is a thriller infused with political intrigue and personal redemption. Marcelo, a man with a shadowy past, arrives in Recife during the height of Carnival, hoping to reconnect with his young son and start anew. However, his past catches up with him, and he finds himself hunted by unseen forces. As he navigates the city’s vibrant yet dangerous streets, Marcelo must confront his own history while fighting for survival. Mendonça Filho’s masterful direction blends historical realism with suspense, creating a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping.

Best Actress: Nadia Melliti for La Petite Dernière

In Hafsia Herzi’s La Petite Dernière, Nadia Melliti delivers a breakout performance as Fatima, a young woman navigating faith, identity, and self-discovery. Adapted from Fatima Daas’ autobiographical novel, the film follows Fatima as she struggles with her sexuality while growing up in a traditional Muslim family in the suburbs of Paris. As she enters university, she is exposed to new ideas, relationships, and personal challenges, forcing her to reconcile her faith with her desires. Melliti’s raw and deeply personal portrayal earned her the Best Actress award, marking her as a rising star in cinema.

Best Actor: Wagner Moura for L’Agent Secret

Wagner Moura’s powerful performance as Marcelo in L’Agent Secret was a standout at Cannes. His portrayal of a man haunted by his past, navigating the political turmoil of Brazil, was both intense and deeply moving. Moura’s ability to convey vulnerability and resilience made his character unforgettable, earning him the Best Actor award.

Best Screenplay: Jeunes Mères by Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne

The Dardenne brothers return with Jeunes Mères, a social drama that follows five teenage mothers living in a shelter. Each young woman faces unique struggles, from escaping abusive households to fighting for their independence. The screenplay’s intimate storytelling and authentic dialogue capture the raw emotions of these women as they navigate motherhood, societal expectations, and personal growth. The film’s documentary-like realism and poignant themes earned it the Best Screenplay award.

Jury Prize (ex-aequo): Sirât by Óliver Laxe & Sound of Falling by Mascha Schilinski

Sirât is a spiritual road movie set in the Moroccan desert, following a father and son searching for their missing daughter at a rave festival. As they journey deeper into the wilderness, they are forced to confront their own fears, beliefs, and limitations.

Sound of Falling is a haunting multi-generational drama, following four young women across different eras, all connected by the same farmhouse in northern Germany. As the house changes over time, echoes of the past resonate through its walls, creating a poetic exploration of memory, trauma, and resilience.

Caméra d’Or: The President’s Cake by Hasan Hadi

Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake is a bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1990s Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime. The film follows Lamia, a nine-year-old girl, tasked with baking a cake for the dictator’s birthday. As she embarks on a quest for ingredients, she encounters economic hardship, political oppression, and the resilience of ordinary Iraqis. The film’s blend of humor and tragedy makes it a remarkable debut, earning Hadi the Caméra d’Or.

AEFW’s showcase

Partnerships with international fashion houses

Expansion of fashion diplomacy within the Cannes context

Central themes of empowerment, sustainability

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