After 12 exhilarating days showcasing some of the finest cinematic offerings from around the globe, the jury of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival has revealed the award winners for this prestigious edition. The star-studded closing ceremony, held on Saturday, was led by French cinema icon and jury president Juliette Binoche, who announced the recipient of the coveted Palme d'Or.
This year, the top honor went to Jafar Panahi, the renowned Iranian filmmaker known for his dissident voice and powerful storytelling. Panahi, who has faced numerous arrests, jail time, and a filmmaking ban in Iran, made a remarkable return to Cannes after more than two decades. His travel ban, imposed by the Iranian government, was lifted in 2023, allowing him to participate in the festival once again.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Panahi emphasized the importance of freedom for his country, stating, "What’s most important now is our country and the freedom of our country. Let us join forces. No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do."
Aside from the Palme d'Or, this year's festival also honored several other remarkable films. The Grand Prix, the festival's second-most prestigious award, was awarded to Sentimental Value, directed by Danish-born, Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. This family drama, featuring stars like Elle Fanning and Stellan Skarsgård, was widely regarded as a strong contender for the Palme d'Or.
The Jury Prize was shared between Sirât, directed by Galician filmmaker Oliver Laxe, and the innovative film Sound of Falling, from emerging German director Mascha Schilinski. Both films showcased unique storytelling approaches, reflecting the festival's commitment to experimental cinema.
The legendary Dardenne brothers from Belgium continued their impressive legacy at Cannes, having previously won the Palme d'Or twice. This year, they took home the Best Screenplay award for their film Young Mothers.
Joining Juliette Binoche on the jury were notable figures such as American actors Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, and acclaimed directors like Hong Sang-soo and Carlos Reygadas.
Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, known for his role as Pablo Escobar in the series Narcos, received the Best Actor award for his performance in The Secret Agent. This gripping film, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, also earned the director the Best Director award at the festival.
Here’s a detailed list of the major awards from the 2025 Cannes Film Festival:
Feature FilmsPalme d'Or: Un Simple Accident (It Was a Simple Accident), Jafar PanahiGrand Prix: Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value), Joachim TrierJury Prize: Sirât, Oliver Laxe; Sound of Falling, Mascha SchilinskiBest Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho, O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent)Best Screenplay: Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, Jeunes Mères (Young Mothers)Best Actress: Nadia Melliti, La Petite Dernière (The Little Sister) by Hafsia HerziBest Actor: Wagner Moura, O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent) by Kleber Mendonça FilhoSpecial Award: Kuang Ye Shi Dai (Resurrection), Bi GanShort FilmsPalme d’Or: I’m Glad You’re Dead Now, Tawfeek BarhomSpecial Mention: Ali, Adnan Al RajeevUn Certain RegardUn Certain Regard Prize: La Misteriosa Mirada Del Flamenco (The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo), Diego Céspedes1st Film Jury Prize: Un Poeta (A Poet), Simón Mesa SotoBest Directing: Arab & Tarzan Nasser for Once Upon a Time in GazaBest Actor: Frank Dillane in Urchin directed by Harris DickinsonBest Actress: Cleo Diára in O Riso E A Faca (I Only Rest in the Storm) directed by Pedro PinhoBest Screenplay: Pillion, Harry Lighton, 1st FilmCaméra d’OrCaméra d’or Prize: The President’s Cake, Hasan Hadi, Directors’ FortnightSpecial Mention: My Father’s Shadow, Akinola Davies Jr, Un Certain RegardSuperior Technical CommissionThe Cst Award for Best Artist-Technician: Ruben Impens, director of photography, and Stéphane Thiébaut, mixer of Alpha, directed by Julia DucournauThe Cst Award for Best Young Female Film Technician: Éponine Momenceau, director of photography of Connemara, directed by Alex LutzThe 2025 Cannes Film Festival has once again highlighted the diversity and richness of global cinema, showcasing films that resonate with audiences and critics alike. For the latest updates on film news, trailers, and interviews, consider subscribing to Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter.
