The 2012 Academy Awards were announced on Sunday. “The Artist” won best picture. There a number of notable winners. Eighty-two-year-old Christopher Plummer became the oldest Oscar winner ever for his supporting role in “Beginners.” Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy became the first Pakistani filmmaker to win an Oscar for her documentary, “Saving Face,” about acid attack victims. And “A Separation” became the first Iranian film to win best foreign film. Asghar Farhadi wrote and directed the film.

Asghar Farhadi: “At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us, and I imagine them to be very happy. They are happy not just because of an important award or a film or a filmmaker, but because, at the time, when talk of war, intimidation and aggression is exchanged between politicians, the name of their country, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics. I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, a people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment. Thank you so much.”