Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or Winner It Was Just An Accident Set for North American Release and Oscar Push
Neon has confirmed that It Was Just An Accident, the 2025 Palme d’Or winner from acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, will hit North American theaters on October 15, 2025. The film’s release positions it for a major awards campaign, including bids for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and possibly Best International Feature, although the latter is uncertain due to its politically critical content.
A Politically Charged Oscar Contender
The film, inspired by Panahi’s second imprisonment in Iran, follows a minor accident that spirals into a profound critique of the Iranian penal system. Given its confrontational tone and Panahi’s history of censorship and arrest, Iran is unlikely to select it as their official entry for the International Feature Oscar—just as they rejected Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig (which Germany submitted due to the director’s exile).
While It Was Just An Accident is deeply Iranian in content, its French production ties and Panahi’s family connection to France might suggest a possible (though unlikely) French submission. Regardless, Neon is expected to pursue a broader awards campaign across multiple Academy categories.
Neon’s Palme d’Or Playbook Continues
The release will follow Neon’s successful strategy used for Parasite and Anora, two previous Palme winners that became Oscar contenders and Best Picture winners. The distributor’s faith in Panahi is longstanding, having worked with him on The Year of the Everlasting Storm and championing politically sensitive international films, including Rasoulof’s Cannes winner.
Historical Achievement for Panahi
With this latest Palme win, Panahi becomes only the fourth director to win the top prize at Cannes, Venice (Golden Lion), and Berlin (Golden Bear). His triple crown cements his legacy as one of the most important and courageous voices in global cinema today.
However, geopolitical tensions, U.S. travel bans, and Panahi’s uncertain ability to travel may impact his involvement in the upcoming Oscar season.
