Actor Jeremy Strong reflected on his time as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, describing it as deeply inspiring. “I feel immeasurably inspired by what I’ve seen here,” he said during a press conference. “It’s been invigorating. I’ll carry this cumulative experience with me.” Strong humorously compared the jury process to the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, saying, “It’s like Conclave with champagne. It’s really great.”
Jury Honors Panahi’s Powerful Film
The jury, led by Juliette Binoche, awarded the Palme d’Or to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for It Was Just an Accident. The film follows former prisoners in Iran who debate whether to take revenge on a man they believe tortured them. This marks Panahi’s first film since his imprisonment in 2023 for criticizing the Iranian government.
Binoche Praises Film’s Human and Political Message
Juliette Binoche explained why the jury chose Panahi’s film. “It’s very human and political at the same time because he comes from a complicated country,” she said. “The film stood out. It springs from resistance and survival—things we need today.” She added, “Art will always win. What is human will always win. Our creative urge can transform the world.”
Jury Highlights Artistic Excellence
Strong said the jury focused on recognizing films that were “transcendent as pieces of work.” His comments aligned with Robert De Niro’s powerful message during the festival’s opening: “Fascists should fear art.”
A Collaborative Jury Panel
Strong served with a diverse jury that included Halle Berry, Payal Kapadia, Hong Sang-soo, Alba Rohrwacher, Leïla Slimani, Dieudo Hamadi, and Carlos Reygadas.
