Oscars Went To Argo Only For Political Reasons, US Peace Activist

New York, March 5, IRNA – An American peace activist said the Oscars went to Argo only for political reasons. Talking to IRNA in an exclusive interview, Phil Vellito elaborated on the political motivations behind awarding the “Argo” and, pointing to the anti-Iranian sentiments of its director, said the movie is explicitly after generating hatred among Americans towards Iran. Referring to handing over of the award to the film by the US First Lady, he said it was the first time in the history of Oscar that a president or a first lady took part in awarding prizes. The peace activist further noted that the prize to Argo was awarded by First Lady Michel Obama during a ceremony directly broadcast via satellite from the White House while four US army commanders in full uniforms were standing behind her. He said just one day before the awards ceremony the US Secretary of State John Kerry, in a quite unprecedented manner, wished success for the movie’s producers which in itself reveals the depth of the political motivations for picking up the film as an Oscars winner. Referring to the ideas and work records of the film’s director, he said Ben Affleck is known for his anti-Iran sentiments which he has repeatedly revealed in his interviews so far. Vellito, who is also a journalist, noted that the timing of the award was also significant in that it occurred only two days before the start of the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and 5+1 which adds to the sensitivity of the issue./end