Jafar Panahi, celebrated for his Cannes-winning film 'It Was Just an Accident', is calling on the Academy to reform its process for international Oscar submissions. Speaking at the Busan International Film Festival, he emphasized the need to break the government's control over these submissions, which could lead to a more diverse representation of global cinema. This advocacy is crucial as it highlights the importance of artistic freedom and the need for a fair platform for filmmakers worldwide.

At the Busan International Film Festival, acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, honored as this year's 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year', urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to ensure that submissions for the Best International Film category are free from government influence. This call for independence in film selection is significant as it highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in cinema, especially in regions where government control can stifle creativity.