Cannes, France – May 24, 2025 – The 78th Festival de Cannes drew to its spectacular close this evening, as the esteemed jury, presided over by the celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche, announced the much-anticipated Cannes Film Festival 2025 winners. After twelve days of cinematic brilliance and fervent speculation along the Croisette, the Grand Théâtre Lumière was electric as Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “Un Simple Accident” was crowned with the prestigious Palme d’Or.
The selections, drawn from 22 films in Competition, were scrutinized by a jury that included American actress and filmmaker Halle Berry, Indian director and screenwriter Payal Kapadia, Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani, Congolese director Dieudo Hamadi, Korean director Hong Sangsoo, Mexican director Carlos Reygadas, and American actor Jeremy Strong.
The final Cannes festival winners list celebrates a dynamic array of global cinema, honoring both legendary filmmakers and exciting new talents.
Here’s a detailed rundown of the Cannes Film Festival 2025 winners:
Feature Films In Competition
The main competition saw fierce contention, culminating in these significant accolades:
- Palme d’Or:
- UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT directed by Jafar Panahi. A deeply moving and artistically courageous statement from the acclaimed Iranian auteur. Panahi, a director known for his deeply humanistic and politically incisive work, continues to be a vital voice in international cinema.
- Grand Prix:
- AFFEKSJONSVERDI (SENTIMENTAL VALUE) directed by Joachim TRIER won the title, further cementing Joachim’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating films.
- Joint Jury Prize: A rare Joint Jury Prize recognized two exceptional cinematic achievements: “SIRÂT” by Oliver Laxe and “SOUND OF FALLING” by Mascha Schilinski. Both films were praised for their unique visions and compelling execution.
- SIRÂT directed by Oliver LAXE.
- SOUND OF FALLING directed by Mascha SCHILINSKI.
- Best Director:
- Kleber MENDONÇA FILHO for O AGENTE SECRETO (THE SECRET AGENT).
The film also saw its lead, Wagner Moura, take home the award for Best performance by an actor for his powerful and nuanced portrayal.
- Best Screenplay:
- Jean-Pierre DARDENNE & Luc DARDENNE for JEUNES MÈRES. A masterclass in narrative from the Belgian maestros.
- Best Performance by an Actress:
- Nadia MELLITI in LA PETITE DERNIÈRE (directed by Hafsia HERZI).
- Best Performance by an Actor:
- Wagner MOURA in O AGENTE SECRETO (THE SECRET AGENT) (directed by Kleber MENDONÇA FILHO).
- Special Award:
- RESSURECTION directed by Bi GAN.
Short Films
The craft of short-form storytelling was also celebrated:
- Palme d’Or:
- I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD NOW directed by Tawfeek BARHOM.
- Special Mention:
- ALI directed by Adnan AL RAJEEV.
Un Certain Regard
This section, championing unique perspectives and innovative filmmaking, honored the following:
- Un Certain Regard Prize:
- LA MISTERIOSA MIRADA DEL FLAMENCO (THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO) directed by Diego CÉSPEDES (1st film).
- Jury Prize:
- UN POETA (A POET) directed by Simón MESA SOTO.
- Best Directing:
- Arab & Tarzan NASSER for Once Upon a Time in Gaza.
- Best Actor:
- Frank DILLANE in Urchin (directed by Harris Dickinson).
- Best Actress:
- Cleo DIÁRA in O Riso e a Faca (I Only Rest in the Storm) (directed by Pedro Pinho).
- Best Screenplay:
- PILLION written by Harry LIGHTON (1st film).
Caméra d’Or
Recognizing the best debut feature film across all festival sections:
- Caméra d’Or Prize:
- THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE directed by Hassan HADI (Directors’ Fortnight).
- Special Mention:
- MY FATHER’S SHADOW directed by Akinola DAVIES JR (Un Certain Regard).
La Cinef (Student Films)
The future of filmmaking looks bright with these talented individuals:
- First Prize:
- FIRST SUMMER directed by Heo GAYOUNG (KAFA, South Korea).
- Second Prize:
- 12 MOMENTS BEFORE THE FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY directed by QU Zhizheng (Beijing Film Academy, China).
- Joint Third Prize:
- GINGER BOY directed by Miki TANAKA (ENBU Seminar, Japan).
- WINTER IN MARCH directed by Natalia MIRZOYAN (Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia).
Superior Technical Commission (CST Awards)
Honoring the vital technical artists behind the magic of cinema:
- THE CST AWARD FOR BEST ARTIST-TECHNICIAN:
- Ruben Impens (director of photography) and Stéphane Thiébaut (mixer) for ALPHA (directed by Julia Ducournau). Their work was cited for its “powerful creativity of sound and image.”
- THE CST AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG FEMALE FILM TECHNICIAN:
- Éponine Momenceau (Director of Photography) for CONNEMARA (directed by Alex Lutz). Praised for “the delicacy and subtlety of the work on the images.”
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 winners represent a compelling snapshot of contemporary world cinema, highlighting powerful narratives, distinct artistic visions, and outstanding individual contributions.
As the festival lights dim on the French Riviera, the impact of these films will undoubtedly resonate in the months and years to come.
Before you go, check out Cannes 2025 nominations in case you want to figure out who didn’t make it to the winners list!
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