Overview
- An eleven-member CNC commission selected the film on September 17 after a shortlist was published on September 11.
- CNC president Gaëtan Bruel said the choice underscores France’s role in co-productions and its support for creators prevented from working in their own countries.
- Eligibility rules focus on predominantly French creative control and non-English dialogue, which this film meets with Farsi and Arabic.
- Co-producer Philippe Martin said Iran would not submit Panahi, so France enabled the film’s Oscar bid.
- The Palme d’Or winner was shot clandestinely in Iran, and the Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 26 in Los Angeles.