Iran’s “Salesman” takes home Cannes prizes for best actor, best screenplay

Iran’s “Salesman” takes home Cannes prizes for best actor, best screenplay

TEHRAN -- Iranian cinema shone at the closing ceremony of the 69th Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night as “The Salesman” by Asghar Farhadi received the awards for best screenplay and best actor, won by Shahab Hosseini.

Written by Farhadi, the film is about Emad (Hosseini) and Rana (Taraneh Alidusti) who move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant dramatically changes the young couple’s life.

“My films are not known for their joyfulness, so I’m very happy to have brought some joy to my people,” Farhadi said after accepting the award from Valeria Golino and László Nemes.

The film brought Hosseini the Palme d’Or for best actor, which was presented by Kirsten Dunst and Katayun Shahabi.  

“I’d like to thank the jury, to thank Cannes and to thank Asghar who gave me back my confidence. I know that I owe this prize to my people. I dedicate it to them, with all my love, and with all my heart,” said Hosseini after receiving the award.

Photo: This combination photo shows director/writer Asghar Farhadi (L) and actor Shahab Hosseini after accepting the awards for best screenplay and best actor for “The Salesman” at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in the French city on May 22, 2016. (Cannes)

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