Cannes Film Festival 2025 Acquisitions

Michelle Warmuz, 28 May 2025

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival delivered a slew of cinematic masterpieces that resonated with critics and audiences alike. The annual festival was held from May 13-24 2025 and celebrated storytelling to the highest degree. Below are five standout films that received top honors, each praised for their direction, performances, and depth of themes.

Sirât

Director & Writer: Óliver Laxe
Award: Joint Jury Prize
Key Takeaway: Sirât, a bold political drama from India, follows a father's search for his missing daughter in the deserts of southern Morocco after she disappears at a rave event. Laxe’s film weaves together poetic storytelling, channeling a raw emotional power which can stand the test of time.
Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi)

Director & Writer: Joachim Trier
Award: Grand Prix
Key Takeaway: Trier’s deeply touching family drama captures the complexities of estranged relationships and unresolved grief. Through delicate performances and intimate cinematography, it offers an emotionally rich experience that affirms Trier’s storytelling.


The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto)

Director & Writer: Kleber Mendonça Filho
Awards: Best Actor & Best Director
Key Takeaway: The Secret Agent is a stylish and chilling portrayal of political extremism in Brazil. The film’s critique of modern politics feels particularly relevant in today's global climate.


It Was Just an Accident (Un Simple Accident)

Director & Writer: Jafar Panahi
Award: Palme d'Or
Key Takeaway: Un Simple Accident is a dark, ironic tale that cleverly tells the story of an ordinary man caught up in unexpected trouble after such a minor and harmless event. Using a quiet and realistic style, Panahi shows how everyday life can be full of hidden struggles. The film is powerful not because of big action, but because of its honesty and quiet courage.


Sound of Falling (In die Sonne schauen)

Director & Writer: Mascha Schilinski
Award: Joint Jury Prize
Key Takeaway: Schilinski’s meditative film explores grief through experimental methods as the story explores four girls from different historical periods whose lives are subtly interconnected. Sound of Falling challenges conventional narrative, creating an experience that is as moving as it is visually attentive.


The top Cannes 2025 selections were celebrated for pushing cinematic boundaries, blending innovative storytelling, and delivering unforgettable performances that hope to redefine cinema this year. These selections showcase the evolving landscape of global cinema and confirm Cannes as a crucial event for the future of film.