Iran state TV says Oscar win victory over Israel

Tehran: Iran`s state TV has described the country`s foreign film Oscar win as a victory over Israel. The broadcast says today the award won by 'The Separation' succeeded in "leaving behind" a film from the "Zionist regime," a reference to the country`s arch-foe Israel. "A Separation," a tale of domestic turmoil, competed in the Oscars` foreign language category against the Israeli "Footnote," about a rivalry between father-son Talmudic scholars. Traditionally, Iranian officials are dismissive of international cultural ceremonies. Iran has a long tradition of cultural achievements in cinema, literature and the arts. But clampdowns by hard-liners in recent years have included artists and others, forcing some to flee the country or work underground. PTI