France, May 25 -- Iranian director Jafar Panahi has claimed the Palme d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for his powerful revenge drama It Was Just an Accident, capping a politically charged celebration of global cinema.

In a dramatic and emotional close to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Iranian director Jafar Panahi was awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or for his powerful revenge thriller It Was Just an Accident.

The moment was both triumphant and poignant, marking a major victory for a filmmaker who has long worked under extreme political pressure.

Panahi, who has been banned from leaving Iran for over 15 years, was presented the award by Cate Blanchett to a roaring standing ovation.

The filmmaker, visibly stunned, threw his arms ...