Paris-based producer Philippe Martin, head of Les Films Pelleas, is steering Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident toward the Oscars. Martin’s banner previously helped Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall reach the Academy Awards in 2024, highlighting a track record of guiding ambitious international titles to Oscar contention. This time, a Persian-language drama from Panahi that won the Palme d’Or at Cannes is positioned to compete in the international feature race, one of the most watched categories in the Academy Awards lineup. The production has become something of a rollercoaster, with challenges and unexpected twists shaping the journey from script to screen. Yet the team remains focused on Panahi’s distinctive vision, and Cannes’ Palme d’Or win has infused the project with renewed momentum as it moves through the awards season. Industry observers are closely tracking how It Was Just an Accident will travel from festival acclaim to Oscar consideration. Martin’s involvement underscores ongoing collaboration between French producers and Iranian filmmakers, reflecting a cross-border strategy that often plays a crucial role in the international feature category. As the race tightens, Panahi’s Palme d’Or triumph adds a compelling storyline to the film’s Oscar odds, even as distribution plans and eligibility timelines continue to evolve. The next phase will reveal whether this acclaimed Cannes winner can translate its festival buzz into a nomination and, potentially, a podium finish at the Academy Awards.