TEHRAN -- The National Board of Review (NBR) in New York has picked Iranian director Asghar Farhadi’s drama “The Salesman” as best foreign-language film.

The movie, which won Farhadi the award for best screenplay and the Palme d’Or for best actor for Shahab Hosseini at the Cannes Film Festival this year, is Iran’s submission to the 89th Academy Awards in the best foreign language film category.

“Manchester by the Sea” directed by Kenneth Lonergan was named best film while it also brought Lonergan best screenplay award, the NBR announced on Tuesday. 

In addition the film’s stars Lucas Hedges won the Breakthrough Performance Award (male) and Casey Affleck received the award best actor.

The best director award went to Barry Jenkins for “Moonlight”.

Amy Adams won the Best Actress award for her performance in “Arrival”, while actress Royalty Hightower was awarded the Breakthrough Performance Award (female) for her role in “The Fits”.

Winners will be awarded during the NBR’s annual gala in New York on January 4, 2017.

The winners are selected every year by a group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics and students of varying ages and backgrounds.

They watch over 250 films and hold talks with directors, actors, producers and screenwriters to select the best works of the year.   

The National Board of Review was established 1910. 

Photo: Taraneh Alidusti acts in a scene from “The Salesman”.

MMS/YAW