Iran state TV says Oscar win victory over Israel
Feb 27, 2012, 6:08 AM
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran’s state TV has described the country’s foreign film Oscar win as a victory over Israel.
The Monday broadcast says the award won by “The Separation” succeeded in “leaving behind” a film from the “Zionist regime,” a reference to the country’s arch-foe Israel.
“A Separation,” a tale of domestic turmoil, competed in the Oscars’ foreign language category against the Israeli “Footnote,” about a rivalry between father-son Talmudic scholars.
Traditionally, Iranian officials are dismissive of international cultural ceremonies.
Iran has a long tradition of cultural achievements in cinema, literature and the arts. But clampdowns by hard-liners in recent years have included artists and others, forcing some to flee the country or work underground.
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