The Academy released the statement after US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on visa ban for seven Muslim-majority countries including Iran.
'The Academy celebrates achievement in the art of filmmaking, which seeks to transcend borders and speak to audiences around the world, regardless of national, ethnic, or religious differences,” an Academy spokesperson said in a statement,”
The statement also reads, “As supporters of filmmakers and the human rights of all people around the globe, we find it extremely troubling that Asghar Farhadi, the director of the Oscar-winning film from Iran, ‘A Separation,’ along with the cast and crew of this year's Oscar-nominated film ‘The Salesman,’ could be barred from entering the country because of their religion or country of origin.'
Farhadi’s ‘The Salesman’ is one of the five nominees for the Foreign Language Film category of Oscar awards.
The 89th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will honor the best films of 2016 and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 26, 2017.
US President Donald Trump has recently signed an order based on which US borders will be closed for 4 months on refugees. Visa issuance has also been banned for 7 Muslim countries including Iran for 3 months.
The US decision has widely been criticised by human rights bodies, indicating that Trump has targeted Muslims for their beliefs.
Protest was also held at several airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on January 28 on Trump's 120-day ban on refugees entering the country.
