Unifrance congratulates film director Jafar Panahi, his whole team, his French producer Philippe Martin (Les Films Pelléas), and co-producers Arte France Cinéma, Pio & Co and Bidibul Productions, whose film It Was Just an Accident will represent France for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2026, following the decision of the selection committee who were brought together by the CNC on September 17.
Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, It Was Just an Accident, a powerful moral and political fable filmed clandestinely in Iran and post-produced entirely in France, has enjoyed phenomenal success: after winning the Palme d'Or—awarded by a jury chaired by Juliette Binoche—it has received numerous accolades and awards, as well as countless festival selections. From the Telluride Film Festival to the Melbourne International Film Festival, from TIFF to the New York Film Festival, from Busan to Lima, and Locarno, the film has captivated audiences around the world and has been or will be sold almost everywhere. It will be released in France on October 1, with mk2 films handling international sales.
It should be noted that Jafar Panahi's film was selected by an independent 11-member committee set up by the CNC. This year was another highly competitive one: the five finalists have all enjoyed significant international success and releases, particularly in the United States—whether it's Ugo Bienvenu's animated feature Arco, Richard Linklater's Nouvelle Vague, Hafsia Herzi's The Little Sister, or Rebecca Zlotowski's A Private Life.
Choosing a single film for a country like France, which is world-renowned for its expertise in independent and diverse film production, has always been a difficult task. This year's choice of It Was Just an Accident, reflects the noble ambition we have in our country for art and culture, and our deep-rooted commitment to creative freedom beyond borders. It is a choice that reflects France's values and the country as a welcoming place for filmmakers from all over the world. Through their films, sometimes made at the risk of their lives, as in the case of Jafar Panahi, they make their unique and universal voices heard in favor of tolerance, peace, and freedom.
In the coming weeks and months, Unifrance will be fully supporting It Was Just an Accident in its bid for the prestigious Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Unifrance will also be backing all the other French films vying for nominations in the other Academy Award categories.
The shortlist of films competing for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film will be announced on December 16, and the list of five finalists will be announced on January 22.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.
