Iranian director Jafar Panahi wins the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival for his film "A Hero."

Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the prestigious Palme d'Or, the highest award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, for his film "A Hero," which sharply criticizes the Iranian authorities and was filmed secretly.

Panahi (64 years old) received the award from the jury president Juliette Binoche, in front of the festival audience, after a long absence from personally attending Cannes, with his last participation being in 2003 when his film "Crimson Gold" was screened, which also received a jury award.

The film "A Hero" tells the story of "Hamed" (played by actor Amir Jadidi), who kidnaps a man with a prosthetic leg resembling the tormentor who ruined his life in prison, then sets out to verify his identity with other survivors before making his final decision.

During his acceptance speech, Panahi delivered a message in Persian, translated by the festival, saying:"I believe this is the right moment to ask all people, all Iranians, with all their different opinions, everywhere in the world, in Iran or in the world, I allow myself to ask one thing: Let us set aside all problems and differences, the most important thing at this moment is our country and the freedom of our country."

Brazilian Wagner Moura wins Best Actor award

Among the other winners, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura (48 years old) received the Best Actor award for his role in the film "The Secret Agent" directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, where he portrays a university professor pursued during the military dictatorship era.

Director Moura described him while accepting the award on his behalf, saying:"He is an exceptional actor, but also an extremely special human being. I hope this honor brings him great benefit."

Moura, in an interview at the festival, said: "The character I portray only wants to live according to the values it represents. It is unfortunate that in difficult times, holding onto the values of dignity becomes dangerous."

Nadège Ouedraogo wins Best Actress award

The Best Actress award went to French actress Nadège Ouedraogo (23 years old) for her debut role in the film "The Young Sister" directed by Hafsia Herzi, where she plays "Fatima," a Muslim teenager discovering her sexual orientation.

Ouedraogo told Agence France-Presse:"When I read the script, I immediately felt a connection with the story because it deeply touched me, as well as with this quest for liberation. I felt very close to her because of her environment and social background."

It is worth noting that the film is based on a memoir by the writer Fatima Daas published in 2020.