The red carpet was glittering, the stars dazzling, and cinema once again took centre stage as the 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up spectacularly. From unexpected wins to powerful speeches, this year's edition delivered a cinematic rollercoaster ride, even surviving a dramatic power outage that plunged the Palais into darkness for a few wild hours!
But in true showbiz spirit, the show did go on with backup generators humming and jury president Juliette Binoche leading a powerhouse panel to crown the crème de la crème of global cinema. So, who took home the gold and glory? Let’s dive into the highlights from Cannes 2025, where Jafar Panahi stole the spotlight and Joachim Trier melted hearts.
Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d'Or 2025
In a defining moment for Iranian cinema, Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or for his hauntingly absurd and politically searing drama It Was Just an Accident. The film, inspired by Panahi’s imprisonment, follows a blindfolded group trying to identify their shared torturer. Equal parts tragic and darkly comic, the story resonates deeply in a world still grappling with justice and memory.
Despite not being present in person due to political restrictions, Panahi’s win felt like a symbol of artistic resistance, a reminder that even in silence, cinema can roar.
Joachim Trier Wins Grand Prix
The Grand Prix went to Norwegian director Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, a deeply personal tale of a father-daughter reunion on a film set that’s as awkward as it is emotional. Critics and fans alike praised Trier for blurring the line between ego and empathy. His acceptance speech was a poetic reflection on why we make art at all. He said, 'We sing and dance before we can speak… art is another language, a language of unification.'
Major Wins You Can’t Miss
- Best Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho for The Secret Agent
- Best Actor: Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent
- Best Actress: Nadia Melliti for Little Sister
- Camera d'Or: Hasan Hadi for The President’s Cake, a historic first win for Iraq
Jury Surprises and Special Mentions
- Jury Prize (Tie): Sirat by Olivier Laxe and Sound of Falling by Mascha Schilinski
- Special Award: Resurrection by Bi Gan
- Best Screenplay: Young Mothers by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne
Short Film Winners at Cannes 2025
- Short Film Palme d'Or: I'm Glad You're Dead Now by Tawfeek Barhom
- Special Mention: Ali by Adnan Al Rajeev
- Golden Eye Documentary: Imago by Deni Oumar Pitsaev
- Jury Prize: The Six Billion Dollar Man by Eugene Jarecki
- Palm Dog: Panda from The Love That Remains
Un Certain Regard and Directors' Fortnight Winners
- Un Certain Regard: The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo by Diego Cespedes
- Critics' Week Grand Prize: A Useful Ghost by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
- Louis Roederer Rising Star: Theodore Pellerin for Nino
- Directors' Fortnight Audience Award: The President’s Cake by Hasan Hadi
Critics' Week Cannes 2025 Results
Despite power glitches and political shadows, Cannes 2025 emerged more resilient and radiant than ever. With diverse voices, brave storytelling and landmark wins, this year’s festival felt like a celebration of cinema’s boundless spirit.
From Jafar Panahi’s bold defiance to Hasan Hadi’s historic triumph, Cannes wasn’t just about films, it was about freedom, connection and the belief that storytelling can still change the world.
Ready to watch? Many of these award-winning films are expected to hit global theatres and streaming platforms soon. Don’t miss out.
Cannes 2025 Highlights
COMPETITION
- Palme d'Or: It Was Just an Accident - Jafar Panahi
- Grand Prix: Sentimental Value - Joachim Trier
- Best Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho - The Secret Agent
- Best Actor: Wagner Moura - The Secret Agent
- Best Actress: Nadia Melliti - Little Sister
- Jury Prize: Sirat and Sound of Falling
- Special Award: Resurrection - Bi Gan
- Best Screenplay: Young Mothers - Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne
OTHER PRIZES
- Camera d'Or: The President's Cake - Hasan Hadi
- Short Film Palme d'Or: I'm Glad You're Dead Now - Tawfeek Barhom
- Golden Eye: Imago - Deni Oumar Pitsaev
- Queer Palm: Little Sister - Hafsia Heerzi
- Palm Dog: Panda - The Love That Remains
UN CERTAIN REGARD
- Top Award: The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo - Diego Cespedes
- Best Director: Once Upon a Time in Gaza - Tarzan and Arab Nasser
CRITICS' WEEK
- Grand Prize: A Useful Ghost - Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
- Rising Star Award: Theodore Pellerin - Nino
Also Read: Hot Bhojpuri Actress Neha Malik Shines at Cannes 2025
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Akanksha Sinha
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