TEHRAN – Oscar-winning Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi’s drama “The Salesman” has received a nomination in the 2017 Golden Globe Awards.

“I am glad to hear this spectacular news. It’s an honor to be nominated for the Golden Globe for a third time. I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on behalf of both myself and ‘The Salesman’ crew, who were busy shooting this movie in Tehran last year,” Farhadi told the Hollywood Reporter on hearing the news. 

“The Salesman” is about Emad (Shahab Hosseini) and Rana (Taraneh Alidusti) who move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant dramatically changes the young couple’s life.

The movie, which is also Iran’s submission to the 89th Academy Awards in the best foreign language film category, is competing with “La La Land” and “Moonlight”.

“La La Land” scored seven nominations in all, including for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in the comedy/musical acting categories, while writer-director Damien Chazelle received nods for best director and best screenplay.

“Moonlight” scored six nods, including Barry Jenkins in the directing and screenplay categories and Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali in the best supporting acting races.

More than 90 journalists in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association choose the Golden Globes. Winners will be announced on January 8. 

Photo: Shahab Hosseini acts in a scene from “The Salesman”.

RM/YAW