Iranian Filmmakers Win Oscar for Animated Short Amid Controversial Acceptance Speech

Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi's win for 'In the Shadow of the Cypress' highlighted their struggles with sanctions and visa issues, but their on-stage interaction drew criticism.

Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for 'In the Shadow of the Cypress,' marking the first Iranian short film to win in this category.
The filmmakers faced significant challenges, including U.S. sanctions, a devaluing Iranian currency, and last-minute visa approvals, arriving in Los Angeles just three hours before the ceremony.
During their acceptance speech, Molayemi interrupted Sohani, taking a phone from her and repeating much of what she had already said, sparking criticism online for his actions.
'In the Shadow of the Cypress' is a 20-minute animated film exploring a father-daughter relationship and PTSD, created over six years without government support after funding was withdrawn.
The filmmakers dedicated their win to those enduring struggles in Iran, emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances under which the film was made and their commitment to future projects.