At the festival, the Grand Prix was awarded to Joachim Trier for his family drama 'Sentimental Value,' a sequel to his acclaimed film 'The Worst Person in the World,' showcasing the diversity of storytelling at Cannes.

The Dardenne brothers received the Best Screenplay award for 'Young Mothers,' while Hasan Hadi's 'The President's Cake' won the Caméra d’Or for Best First Film.

This year's festival was marked by geopolitical tensions, including criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films, which drew ire from filmmakers.

Neon, a production company known for its Oscar-winning films, acquired two notable titles at Cannes this year: 'It Was Just an Accident' and 'The Secret Agent,' highlighting the festival's impact on the film industry.

Panahi's works often serve as a form of resistance against a repressive regime, drawing from his personal experiences of imprisonment and interrogation.

His latest film was shot in public spaces without permits and featured female actors without head coverings, a provocative act linked to the protests following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film 'It Was Just an Accident,' which delves into themes of dignity, responsibility, and resilience.

Despite facing significant restrictions, including a travel ban since 2009 and imprisonment in 2022 for protesting against the Iranian government, Panahi's return to Cannes was met with enthusiasm from supporters.

Upon his arrival, he was greeted by chants of 'Woman, life, freedom!' reflecting the ongoing protest movement in Iran, which has raised concerns about his safety.

The film 'It Was Just an Accident' features a protagonist named Vahid, who embarks on a journey of confrontation and self-discovery, seeking closure for his traumatic past.

Panahi's narrative intertwines elements of revenge and forgiveness, mirroring his own experiences in prison and those of fellow detainees.

The Jury Prize was shared between Oliver Laxe's 'Sirât' and Mascha Schilinski's 'Sound of Falling,' both recognized for their innovative storytelling.