Oscar-nominated filmmaker arrested in iran after criticizing supreme leader
Teheran, maandag, 2 februari 2026.
Mehdi Mahmoudian, co-writer of the Oscar-nominated film ‘It Was Just An Accident’, has been arrested in Tehran. He signed a political statement strongly condemning Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The document blames Khamenei for the mass killings during Iran’s nationwide protests. Human rights groups estimate thousands died. Mahmoudian previously spent nine years in prison. His film, inspired by those experiences, won the Palme d’Or and is now up for two Oscars. Fellow artist Jafar Panahi praised Mahmoudian as a moral presence whose absence is deeply felt. Seventeen artists signed the statement. Several others have also been detained. The arrest highlights ongoing risks for dissident voices in Iran.
Iranian authorities detain acclaimed screenwriter
Mehdi Mahmoudian, co-writer of the Oscar-nominated film ‘It Was Just An Accident’, was arrested in Tehran on January 31, 2026 [3]. The arrest followed his signature on a public statement condemning Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s handling of nationwide protests [3]. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mahmoudian is among 17 signatories who criticized the regime’s violent crackdown [3]. The statement described the actions as ‘mass and systematic killing of citizens’ amounting to ‘an organized state crime against humanity’ [3][5].
Artistic expression meets political dissent
Mahmoudian’s film ‘It Was Just An Accident’ draws directly from his personal experience of spending nine years in an Iranian prison [3]. The movie, which won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards [3][5]. France submitted the film for Oscar consideration due to its significant French funding [1]. The dual recognition underscores the global resonance of politically charged art originating under oppressive regimes [1][3].
Wider crackdown targets prominent cultural figures
Alongside Mahmoudian, fellow signatories Vida Rabbani and Abdullah Momeni were also taken into custody [3][5]. Other signatories include Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and Sakharov Prize winner Nasrin Sotoudeh, both known for their human rights advocacy [3]. Filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who co-wrote the screenplay while imprisoned, condemned the arrest publicly [3]. Panahi himself received a one-year prison sentence in absentia in December 2025 over prior critical activities [3][5]. He intends to appeal the verdict after the awards season concludes [3].
International attention intensifies pressure
Human rights organizations estimate that tens of thousands of people have been affected by the Iranian government’s suppression of protests [3]. While official figures acknowledge over 3,000 deaths, independent observers suggest far higher tolls [3]. The arrest of Mahmoudian occurs amid increased scrutiny ahead of the March 15, 2026 Oscars ceremony [3][5]. Global media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and IndieWire have highlighted the case, amplifying concerns over freedom of expression in Iran [3][5]. There has been no formal confirmation of charges from Iranian authorities as of February 2, 2026 [3].