Cannes Bestows Palme d’Or on Iranian Revenge Drama ‘It Was Just an Accident’
The Cannes festival has bestowed its highest honor, the Palme d’Or, upon the Iranian revenge thriller.
It was simply an accident.
.
The victory extends Neon’s remarkable streak as an independent distributor, having supported the last six Palme d’Or winners. Neon acquired
It Was Simply an Mishap
For North American distribution after its debut at Cannes, following previous successes at
Parasite
,
Titane
,
Triangle of Sadness
,
Anatomy of a Fall
, and
Anora
.
Cate Blanchett handed the award to Panahi, who was detained in Iran three years prior and subsequently embarked on a hunger strike. Over more than 15 years, he has clandestinely produced films within his homeland.
This Isn’t a Movie
, filmed in his living room, and
Taxi
Set exclusively inside a vehicle.
The crowd erupted into a thunderous standing applause for him. Overwhelmed, Panahi raised his arms and stepped backward in astonishment before joining in the clapping to acknowledge his team and everyone else present. During this moment on stage, he received an enthusiastic welcome from Cannes jury head Juliette Binoche, who had previously championed his work during the event in 2010 when he was confined to house arrest.
When Panahi stepped onto the stage, he stated that the most important thing was liberty in his nation.
Let’s unite,” Panahi stated. “Nobody has the right to dictate what clothing we must wear, or define our actions and restrictions. Cinema itself represents a microcosm of society. No individual holds the authority to impose such limitations on us.
“Let’s keep hoping,” he ended with.
Even though Panahi pleaded for liberty, he stated that living abroad is not his preference. He intended to return to Tehran by flying back this past Sunday.
The festival’s concluding event took place soon after a significant power outage struck southeastern France on Saturday. Police suspect that this incident might have resulted from an act of arson. Fortunately, electricity was reinstated in Cannes mere hours prior to the arrival of celebrities on the red carpet.
