“Actually, we hadn’t obtained our visa until yesterday, and we were totally disappointed.

And now we are here!”

Sohani said, later taking a cell phone from Molayemi to read a prepared speech from it.

Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi accept the Animated Short Film award for “In the Shadow of the Cypress” onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California.

Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi at Oscars 2025.Credit:Kevin Winter/Getty

“No, no, no.

Yes, if we persevere and remain faithful, miracles do happen.

Especially to all fellow Iranians who are suffering.”

Iranian animator and film director Shirin Sohani (L) and Iranian animator Hossein Molayemi accept the award for Best Animated Short Film for “In the Shadow of the Cypress” onstage during the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025.

Iranian animator and film director Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi at Oscars 2025.PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

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“I didn’t like that.”

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Entertainment Weeklyhas reached out to a representative for the filmmakers for comment.

Watch Molayemi and Sohani’s acceptance speech in the Oscars' video above.

See the full list of 2025 Oscar winners