An Iranian film won the animated short Oscar despite its directors nearly missing the ceremony due to visa issues.
Co-directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani accepted the award on the night after “In The Shadow Of The Cypress” took home the category.
“Believe me or not, three hours ago our plane landed in LA,” said Molayemi, to gasps from the audience.
“It’s a miracle and speaking in front of this expectant audience is very hard for us.
“Until yesterday we hadn’t even obtained our visa and we were totally disappointed and now we are standing here with this statuette in our hands.
“Also, just the fact that we managed to make this film under the extraordinary circumstances of our country is a miracle.
“Yes, if we persevere and remain faithful, miracles do happen.”
The BBC reported that it had offered the directors the use of their LA office to get changed after they ran out of time to get to their hotel.
Molayemi continued: “We are going to dedicate our film and this precious award to all those who are still fighting their inner and outer battles heroically, and nobody knows about that. Especially to our fellow Iranians who are still suffering.
“We are so grateful to the Academy and all those who supported us in this long journey, especially our families. Thank you very much indeed.”
American actors Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison were among the big winners on the night - with Anora leading the pack with five wins.
Madison, 25, beat Hollywood stalwart Demi Moore to take home the best actress gong for her role in the comedy Anora, in which she plays a stripper who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch.
The film also won best picture, film editing, original screenplay and best director for Sean Baker, who used his speech to make a plea for the return of theatregoers to cinemas following the pandemic.
