Iranian Filmmaker Wins Cannes Palme d'Or Amid Controversy

Iran has summoned the French envoy in Tehran to protest against comments made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's win of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Barrot's remarks were seen as 'insulting' and 'interference' in Iran's internal affairs by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei, who demanded an official explanation from the French government. Panahi, known for his criticism of the Iranian establishment, won the award for his film 'It Was Just an Accident', a political drama inspired by his time in prison.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival concluded with Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' winning the prestigious Palme d'Or award. Panahi, who has been banned from leaving Iran for over 15 years and was imprisoned three years ago, received a standing ovation. The win continues Neon's streak of backing the last six Palme d'Or winners. Other notable awards included 'Sentimental Value' for Grand Prix, 'The Secret Agent' for best director and best actor, and 'The President's Cake' for best first film.

A power outage caused by a potential arson attack at an electrical substation near Cannes disrupted the final day of the Cannes Film Festival, but the festival organizers were able to restore power and continue with the scheduled events, including the Palme d'Or ceremony, which was won by Jafar Panahi's film 'It Was Just an Accident'.