Asghar Farhadi, director of Iranian film "A Separation" is guided off stage after accepting the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 26, 2012. REUTERS
HOLLYWOOD — Iran’s “A Separation,” a taut family drama, on Sunday took home the Oscar for best foreign language film, after winning a series of other awards season prizes.
Director Asghar Farhadi dedicated the award to Iranians “who despise hostility and resentment,” and referred to current tension between Tehran and the West, as the film bested movies from Belgium, Poland, Israel and Canada.
The movie – which sets out a deep social expose of the Islamic republic of today in a simple story starting with a divorce – explores the themes of love, lies, honor and unintended consequences with psychological nuance.
In his acceptance speech, Farhadi referred to the current tension and talk of possible conflict between the Islamic republic and the West, notably over Iran’s controversial nuclear program.
“At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy,” he said, reading from prepared remarks on a piece of paper.
“They are happy not just because of an important award or a film or a filmmaker, but because at the time when talk of war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, her rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.”
“I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, a people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment. Thank you so much,” he added.
The movie beat rivals including Belgium’s “Bullhead,” “Footnote” (Israel), “In Darkness” (Poland) and “Monsieur Lazhar” (Canada).