Cannes 2025: Power Outages, Political Thrillers, and Global Triumphs Light Up the Croisette

The 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up on May 24, 2025, overcoming a regional power outage in the Alpes-Maritimes to deliver a dazzling celebration of international cinema. Despite the literal blackout, the spotlight remained firmly on a diverse and fearless lineup of films that reaffirmed Cannes as a global stage for boundary-pushing storytelling.

Top Honors: A Political Thriller Takes Center Stage

• Palme d'Or: It Was Just an Accident – Iranian director Jafar Panahi stunned audiences with this clandestinely made political thriller, a bold reflection of his ongoing struggles against censorship. The film’s critical acclaim and powerful message made it a defining winner.
  

• Grand Prix: Sentimental Value – Norwegian director Joachim Trier delivered a tender, emotionally resonant family drama that captured the jury’s hearts.
  

• Jury Prize (shared):

  • Sirât by Spanish auteur Oliver Laxe

  • Sound of Falling by German director Mascha Schilinski
    

Artistry Rewarded: Standout Individual Achievements

• Best Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho (The Secret Agent) – This Brazilian political thriller set during a military dictatorship impressed with its suspenseful direction and historical depth.

• Best Actor: Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) – Moura delivered a haunting performance as a teacher caught in a web of resistance and repression.

• Best Actress: Nadia Melliti (The Little Sister) – A breakout performance from Melliti as a young woman exploring identity and belonging in Paris.

• Best Screenplay: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Young Mothers) – The Belgian brothers continued their tradition of socially charged narratives with their moving screenplay.
  

Special Prize: Bi Gan (Resurrection) – The Chinese filmmaker was recognized for his experimental storytelling and poetic visuals.

New Voices, New Visions

• Caméra d'Or (Best First Feature): The President’s Cake by Hassan Hadi (Iraq) – A powerful debut film that signals a bold new voice in world cinema.

• Short Film Palme d'Or: I'm Glad You're Dead Now by Tawfeek Barhom (Palestine) – A gripping short that left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
  

Un Certain Regard: Bold and Beautiful Cinema

This Cannes sidebar continued to highlight daring and original storytelling:

• Prize Winner: The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo by Diego Céspedes (Chile)

• Jury Prize: A Poet by Simón Mesa Soto (Colombia)

• Best Director: Arab & Tarzan Nasser for Once Upon a Time in Gaza

• Best Actor: Frank Dillane in Urchin

• Best Actress: Cleo Diára in I Only Rest in the Storm

• Best Screenplay: Harry Lighton for Pillion
  

Legends Honored

Cannes paid tribute to two titans of cinema:

• Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington received Honorary Palme d'Ors for their decades of unforgettable performances and cultural influence.
  

A Festival to Remember

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival proved that even in darkness, cinema shines brighter than ever. From subversive political dramas to stirring personal tales, this year’s lineup celebrated storytelling at its most fearless and global. Cannes once again cemented its place as the heart of world cinema—where art resists, heals, and endures.