The Islamic Republic of Iran was well represented at the 89th Academy Awards show after Iranian director Asghar Fahadi won an Oscar for best foreign language film.
Fahadi was not in attendance during the ceremony as a protest against President Donald Trump.
The Iranian government praised the entire cast and crew of "The Salesman" for boycotting the Hollywood awards show in protest against President Donald Trump.
"Proud of cast and crew of The Salesman for Oscar and stance against Muslim Ban," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote. "Iranians have represented culture and civilization for millennia."
In a written statement read by a representative, Farhadi said that America's control of immigration was "inhumane."
“I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight. My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations whom have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S.," the Farhadi said.
"Dividing the world into the 'us' and 'our enemies' categories creates fear, a deceitful justification for aggression and war," he added.
Iran's culture minister, Reza Salehi Amiri, praised Farhadi for standing against "narrow-minded and racist policies of novice American politicians," according to the report.
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