Cannes Film Festival president Juliette Binoche said the top prize, “It Was Just an Accident”, was chosen for its ability to both express humanity and tackle politics. Director Jafar Panahi’s film follows a group of former prisoners in Iran who must decide whether or not to seek revenge on a man they believe wronged them. The award was seen as a recognition of the film’s transcendence, aligning with Robert De Niro’s opening statement that “fascists should fear art”.
Jeremy Strong, jury member and president of the US National Endowment for the Arts, praised the experience, comparing it to choosing a new pope in “Conclave”. He felt inspired by the films he saw and described the process as invigorating. The jury ultimately decided to award the Palme d’Or to Panahi’s film, citing its ability to convey something ineffable and transformative.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/jeremy-strong-cannes-jury-conclave-with-champagne-1236409351