Blue Ribbons, Protesting Directors, And An Astronaut At The Oscars

Political statements made at the Oscars that you may have missed.

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, who won an Oscar for his film The Salesman, refused to come to the ceremony in response to the travel ban on 7 Muslim majority countries.

CNN / Via cnn.com

Farhadi sent an Iranian Astronaut and Entreprenuer Anousheh Ansari to receive the award.

Kevin Winter / Via Getty Images

Here is an excerpt from the letter "Filmmakers can turn their cameras to capture shared human qualities and break stereotypes of various nationalities and religions. They create empathy between us and others. An empathy which we need today more than ever. Thank you."

The film's female lead, Taraneh Alidoosti was the first of the cast and crew to refuse attending the ceremony.

Zimbio / Via zimbio.com

Taraneh Alidoosti @t_alidoosti

Trump's visa ban for Iranians is racist. Whether this will include a cultural event or not,I won't attend the… https://t.co/5Fohmbnd1v

11:25 AM - 26 Jan 2017

Via Twitter: @t_alidoosti

This is Farhadi's Second Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

He attended the Academy Awards in 2012 for his film "A Separation".

Meanwhile celebs wore blue ribbons to support the American Civil Liberties Union.

Noel West, New York Times / Via nytimes.com