Iranian Director Jafar Panahi Returns Tehran After Palme d’Or Win Amid France-Iran Diplomatic Spat

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi returned to Tehran to a hero's welcome after winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his film "It Was Just an Accident," which depicts torture in Iranian prisons. His victory sparked a diplomatic dispute between France and Iran after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the win as "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression," prompting a formal protest from Tehran. Panahi, who has been banned from making films and traveling for over 14 years due to his dissident activities, was able to attend Cannes following the lifting of his travel ban in April 2023. Supporters greeted him with applause and flowers at Imam Khomeini International Airport, with some chanting slogans linked to recent Iranian protests, highlighting the political significance of his work. Despite state media acknowledging his win, Iranian officials criticized the politicization of art, emphasizing that artistic events should not be exploited for political aims. Panahi's achievement marks the first time an Iranian has won the Palme d'Or since 1997 and adds to his rare distinction of winning top prizes at Europe's three major film festivals.