(Photo: Reuters/Gary Hershorn)Asghar Farhadi, director of Iranian film "A Separation" accepts the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, February 26, 2012.
"A Separation" has become the first ever win for Iran in Academy Awards history, taking out the award for Best Foreign Language Film and inspiring national celebration at a time when Iranian's are clouded by fear of war and extreme economic sanctions.
In his acceptance speech the film's director Asghar Farhadi, sincerely pleaded for the people of Iran to be recognized for their contributions to culture, and not just for the threats exchanged currently between politicians.
"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, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics," he said.
"Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy," he added.
As tensions increase with Iran over its nuclear program, Fahardi said he offers his award to "the people of my country, a people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment."
"A Separation" tells the story of an upper-middle class wife and mother Simin, who makes all the necessary arrangements to leave oppressive Iran with her daughter and husband, wanting a better life for her 11-year-old child.
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Simin's husband Nader refuses to leave his sick father behind who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Determined to go anyway, Simin tries to sue her husband for divorce, a request which is refused in court. She then moves in with her parents, while her daughter chooses to stay with her father, hoping her mother will one day change her mind.
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