The Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes go to Jafar Panahi Un Simple Accident for the Iranian filmmaker
Date: From May 13 to 24, 2025, follow the 1st film festival in the World
Venue: Palais des festivals et des congrès de Cannes, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
PALME D’OR 2025 78th Cannes Film Festival
Jafar Panahi has won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film Un Simple Accident.
This marks a significant moment for the Iranian filmmaker, who has long been recognized for his bold storytelling and political themes.
The film explores the complexities of justice and revenge, following a man who unexpectedly encounters his former torturer and decides to kidnap him. As the story unfolds, he seeks validation from other victims, questioning whether they should take justice into their own hands. The film blends drama with moments of dark humor, making it a powerful statement on oppression and morality.
Panahi’s presence at Cannes is particularly notable, as this is the first time in 15 years that he has been able to attend the festival in person. His acceptance speech was emotional, calling for unity among Iranians and emphasizing the importance of freedom.
Jafar Panahi’s Un Simple Accident
Jafar Panahi’s Un Simple Accident is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about films at Cannes 2025, earning him the Palme d’Or in a historic moment.
This political thriller follows Vahid, a mechanic who was once imprisoned for « propaganda against the regime. »
He recognizes one of his former torturers—only by the sound of his prosthetic leg—and decides to kidnap him, setting off a chilling chain of events. As other victims join him, they confront their past and seek justice and truth.
Panahi masterfully blends dark humor with intense drama, questioning the blurred lines between victim and oppressor. Given his own history of persecution by the Iranian government, he directed the film clandestinely, further cementing his unwavering commitment to cinema and freedom of expression.
The film diffusion
The film is set for release on September 10, 2025, and is expected to leave a lasting impression—especially with its haunting final scene. Cannes critics describe the closing act as powerful and unforgettable, making Un Simple Accident a standout moment in Panahi’s career.
Film information for Un Simple Accident:
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Jafar Panahi
- Original Title: Yek Tasadef Sadeh
- Cast: Vahid Mobasheri, Maria Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi
- Countries: France, Luxembourg, Iran
- Runtime: 1h41
- Release Date: September 10, 2025
- Distributor: Memento
- Synopsis: After a simple accident, events begin to unfold…
Official Selection, a total of 22 films are competing for the Palme d’Or
A total of 22 films are competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or in the Official Selection of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The ultimate winner will be revealed during the closing ceremony, where the jury—this year led by actress Juliette Binoche—will present the coveted award to the standout film of the competition.
Clarisse Fabre’s Awards Picks
- Palme d’Or: Alpha – Julia Ducournau
- Grand Prix: Un Simple Accident – Jafar Panahi
- Jury Prize: Sirât – Óliver Laxe
- Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix in Eddington – Ari Aster
- Best Actress: Nadia Melliti in La Petite Dernière – Hafsia Herzi
- Best Director: Sound of Falling – Mascha Schilinski
- Best Screenplay: Romeria – Carla Simón
Jacques Mandelbaum’s Awards Picks
- Palme d’Or: The Secret Agent – Kleber Mendonça Filho
- Grand Prix: Eddington – Ari Aster
- Jury Prize: Un Simple Accident – Jafar Panahi
- Best Actor: Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent – Kleber Mendonça Filho
- Best Actress: Mia Threapleton in The Phoenician Scheme – Wes Anderson
- Best Director: Sound of Falling – Mascha Schilinski
Palais des festivals et des congrès
Main Sponsors
Lakshan Abenayake is supporting for the film industry by attending the 78th Cannes Film Festival
Lakshan Abenayake is showing his support for the film industry by attending the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
His presence highlights his ongoing engagement with global cinema and the recognition of Sri Lankan filmmaking on an international scale.
Lakshan Abenayake made a notable appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where his latest film was showcased. While there isn’t extensive coverage on his participation this year, he previously gained recognition at Cannes for his Sri Lankan film « Rudy », which was titled Mysteries of Love in French.
Abenayake has been involved in various projects, including producing and acting in films like Doosra.
His presence at Cannes highlights the growing global reach of Sri Lankan cinema, as his work continues to gain international attention.
Film Candidate Selection 2025 – My Day – CANNES FESTIVAL FILM 78 EDITIONS
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At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Jafar Panahi’s Un Simple Accident won the Palme d’Or, marking a historic moment for Iranian cinema.
The film, which explores themes of justice, revenge, and oppression, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Regarding DN Africa, while African cinema was present at the festival, it did not secure any of the major awards this year. However, a Nigerian film, My Father’s Shadow, received a special mention in the Caméra d’Or category, highlighting the growing recognition of African storytelling.
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