Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been named to the 2026 edition of the Time 100, recognised in the “Artistes” category for his sustained defiance of censorship and his commitment to politically charged storytelling.

In its citation, Time highlights Panahi as a filmmaker who has turned restriction into resistance, continuing to make films despite repeated bans, arrests and state-imposed limitations on his work. His cinema, the magazine notes, confronts the realities of life under repression while foregrounding the human cost of political control.

Panahi’s career has long been shaped by confrontation with Iranian authorities. He has faced imprisonment and travel bans, yet continued to produce films—often under severe constraints—earning him global recognition as a leading voice of dissent in contemporary cinema.

His latest film, “It Was Just an Accident”, reportedly shot clandestinely in Iran, explores the psychological and social toll of prolonged political repression. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and received two Academy Award nominations, further cementing his international stature.

Despite these achievements, Panahi continues to face legal consequences at home, including sentencing and restrictions on his professional activities. His persistence, however, has made him a symbol of artistic resistance worldwide.

This year’s Time 100 list, published annually, recognises individuals shaping global politics, culture, science and society. Alongside Panahi in the “Artistes” category are figures from across the global entertainment industry, including Ranbir Kapoor, Benicio del Toro, Dakota Johnson, Noah Wyle, and Jennie Kim, among others.