At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his movie "Simple Accident," as announced on the festival's official social media channels.
The film tells the powerful story of a victim of political persecution in contemporary Iran who confronts his former torturer, seeking vengeance. Shot covertly, the project draws heavily from Panahi's personal experiences during his imprisonment in Iran.
The Grand Prix, the festival's second-highest honor, went to Danish director Joachim Trier for "Sentimental Value." Meanwhile, Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho earned the Best Director award for "Secret Agent."
Brazilian actor Wagner Moura received the Best Actor prize for his performance in the same film. The Best Actress award was claimed by Nada Melliti for her role in Afsia Yerzi's "Junior Dernier."
Screenwriting honors went to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for "Young Mothers," while the Caméra d'Or for best debut was awarded to Iraqi director Hassan Hadi for "Cake for the President."
A special jury prize was granted to Chinese director Bi Gan's "Resurrection."