Academy reacts to Muslim ban affecting Oscar nominated Iranian filmmaker

Organisers of the Oscars have said it is “extremely troubling” that the makers of an Iranian film nominated for an Academy Award may be barred from entering the US following Donald Trump's Muslim ban.

The Salesman, from director Asghar Farhadi is nominated for best foreign language film at next month’s ceremony in Los Angeles.He previously won the Oscar in 2012 for his movie A Separation.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, an Academy spokeswoman said:

“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,

“As supporters of film-makers - 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.”