"The Palme d'Or award is granted to an unforeseen incident" at Cannes Film Festival.
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Jafar Panahi's "A Simple Incident" was awarded the Palme d'or, a well-deserved honor for the clandestinely shot film. Critical of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the movie depicts a compelling narrative about a man seeking justice, with a hint of dark humor. The filmmaker, who has faced persecution for his work, was applauded by both the jury, presided by Juliette Binoche, and the audience. In a touching moment, Panahi, under surveillance and previously imprisoned, addressed the crowd, acknowledging the difficulty of making such an engaged film.
"A Simple Incident" follows the protagonist's quest to identify an alleged state agent responsible for past torture. The man's journey leads him to meet other victims in an attempt to obtain indisputable evidence. The film raises questions about revenge and its implications, potentially seen as Panahi's silent protest against his official tormentors.
The Grand Prix was awarded to "Value Sentimentale" by Joachim Trier, a captivating tale about a theater actress, her historian sister, and their filmmaker father. The film received praise for its dazzling virtuosity and dazzling performances, with critics likening it to classic works such as "La Nuit américaine" and "Fanny and Alexandre."
Incidentally, the ceremony almost did not take place due to a city-wide power outage, caused by the fall of a high-voltage line and a potential arson at an electrical station. Despite the unexpected interruption, the Palais des festivals was able to ensure continuity with its generators.
Radical proposals, such as "Alpha" by Julia Ducournau and "Resurrection" by Bi Gan, received both positive and negative reactions from the press. The competition featured a diverse range of high-caliber films, tackling themes such as political power, familial relationships, and societal issues, leaving journalists and critics with plenty to discuss.
In the end, the jury had a challenging, yet rewarding task, as several films could have claimed each category of the Palmares without much contention. As a result, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival delivered an exceptional vintage, with a mix of powerful, thought-provoking, and divisive films that kept the industry talking.
Official Palmares
Palme d'or: "A Simple Incident," by Jafar PanahiGrand prix: "Sentimental Value," by Joachim TrierPrix du jury: "Sirat," by Oliver Laxe, and "Sound of Falling," by Mascha SchilinskiPrix spécial: "Resurrection," by Bi GanPrix de la mise en scène: "The Secret Agent," by Kleber Mendonça FilhoPrix du scénario: "Young Mothers," by Jean-Pierre and Luc DardennePrix d'interprétation féminine: Nadia Melliti, "The Little Last," by Hafsia Herzi.Prix d'interprétation masculine: Wagner Moura, "The Secret Agent," by Kleber Mendonça Filho
"The remarkable movie 'A Simple Incident' by Jafar Panahi, winner of the Palme d'or, offers a captivating blend of culture and entertainment, delving into the complexities of revenge and societal issues. Meanwhile, 'Sentimental Value', Joachim Trier's Grand Prix winner, immerses viewers in the world of movies-and-tv with its intricate narrative about family relationships."
