Iranian writer-director Jafar Panahi was awarded with the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival’s top prize—the Palme d’Or—for his new film Un Simple Accident.

In 2022, Miami Film Festival awarded Panahi with our top prize—the Precious Gem—for his film No Bears.

Panahi accepted his Precious Gem via audio recording while incarcerated in an Iranian prison, where he was set to serve a six year sentence.

In the recording, Panahi states “I hope a day will come when I can make a film, and attend your festival with it.” And we hope so too, Jafar!

Listen to the full recording of his Precious Gem acceptance speech below.

Un Simple Accident is the sixth consecutive film from power-house producers/distributors Neon to snag Cannes’ biggest accolade.