A simple accident will represent France in the Oscars: Jafar Panahi calls for a change of rule
“The Academy should find a way not to link directors to their government,” said the Iranian filmmaker.
The commission set up by the CNC Unveiled his choice this Wednesday evening. And it is therefore A simple accidentan Iranian film shot in Farsi, which will defend the French chances for The Oscar for the best international film 2026.
Arco of Ugo welcome, The little last of Hafsia Herzi, New wave by Richard Linklater and Privacy by Rebecca Zlotowski were also in the running.
Infant of the Islamic Republic, the director Jafar panhi Shot this film illegally, with the financial support of Philippe Martin and David Thion (Les Films Pelléas) and Bidibul Productions (Luxembourg). A simple accident is a predominantly French production, and therefore technically a French film. He will be released in theaters on October 1.
Already rewarded in Berlin or Venice, Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’or Last May at the Cannes Film Festival. But he had never been able to be appointed to the Oscars because of his positions with respect to the Iranian regime.
“The only way to compete in the Oscars is to be presented by a country, and Iran never wanted Jafar Panahi represents Iran“, explained Philippe Martin, founder of the Pelleas films. “I am also very happy because this film has a message so strongly politically that the more it will resonate, the more it will be seen, the more we talk about it and the better it will be“.
Last year, the commission had already chosen a film shot mainly in Spanish, Emilia Perezbut produced by a Frenchman, Jacques Audiard, and produced in France. Mainly American-British, The Substance (turned in English) by Coralie Fargeat was not eligible.
In 2015, France had bet on Mustanga Turkish film but directed by a Franco-Turkish, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, trained at the femis. In the case ofA simple accident The link with France is even more tenuous, Jafar Panahi having never worked or lived in France.
But the president of the CNC, Gaëtan Brue, also defends this choice, stressing the role of France like “reception land for creators around the world, especially those who are prevented from working in their own country.”
Present at the Busan Film Festival, Jafar Panahi had the opportunity to react publicly at the announcement. And he underlined this incongruity, by calling for a change of rules.
“We have a little problem with the academy and its international selection. When we make films, we can send them to international festivals without authorization from Iran. But with regard to the Academy, we need permission from our government.
I think the Academy should find a way not to link filmmakers to their governments. Independent directors must meet and find a way to be able to submit their films to the Academy without having to undergo this kind of problem with the government of their own country.”
The commission was made up of Carole Baraton (exporter, Charades), Thierry de Clermont-Tonnerre (producer, Mact Production), Audrey Diwan (director), Ron Dyens (producer, Sacrebleu Productions), Grégoire Melin (exporter, Kinology), Adeline Monzier (programmer), Sylvie Pialat (Producer Worso), Clémence Poesy (actress), Patrick Wachsberger (producer) and Florian Zeller (director).
The Oscar Academy will unveil a shortlist of 15 films on December 16, before announcing the 5 nominees to the Oscar for best international film on January 22, 2026.
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