Iran boycotts Oscar race in protest of anti-Islam film 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. PHOTOS: 10 controversial films based on religion 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 Oct. 1. Prior to the boycott, Iran had selected Reza Mirkarimi's family drama "A Cube of Sugar" as the country's Academy Awards submission. Iran has submitted a film for Oscar consideration every year dating back to 1997. Anti-Islamic film's L.A. County permits details crew and effects Latest movie reviews PHOTOS: NC-17 movies: Why they got the rating