newsmakers

newsmakers

Iran boycotts Oscar race to protest film

LOS ANGELES

Iran is boycotting the Oscars.

Although writer-director Asghar Farhadi’s acclaimed family drama “A Separation” was named best foreign-language film at February’s Academy Awards ceremony, Iranian officials have opted out of the upcoming Oscar contest.

The move comes as a protest against the recent anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims,” which has sparked violence throughout the Middle East.

In a statement reported by the Iranian Students’ News Agency, Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Hosseini said the Academy Awards boycott is “to protest against the making of a film insulting the Prophet [Muhammad] and because of the organisers’ failure to take an official position [against the film].” He called on other Muslim countries to boycott the Oscars as well.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had no comment on the matter.

The official deadline for foreign-language submissions is Monday.

Next ‘Bachelor’ is ‘Bachelorette’ castoff

LOS ANGELES

ABC says the next star of “The Bachelor” will be Sean Lowe, who was dumped on “The Bachelorette.”

The network says the 28-year-old Dallas businessman will be the one doing the choosing when “The Bachelor” returns for its 17th edition.

On the eighth edition of “The Bachelorette,” Lowe confessed his love for Emily Maynard but was eliminated just before the finale.

“The Bachelor” is hosted by Chris Harrison and returns in January.

Vindicator wire services