Why it matters:
The Fajr Film Festival, held annually in Iran in February, is the country’s most prestigious cinematic event. It serves as a key indicator of the nation’s film production, showcasing the most significant and innovative works of the year.
Winning or even participating in the festival, particularly in the main competitions like the Main Competition (Soudaye Simorgh) or "New Look" sections, can significantly elevate the careers of directors, actors, and other film professionals, providing both recognition and credibility within the industry.
Beyond artistic recognition, the festival plays a crucial role in the economics of Iranian cinema, as successful films often gain priority in national distribution and box-office success. Moreover, Fajr Festival offers a platform for Iranian filmmakers to present stories that reflect the country’s culture, social concerns, and evolving values.
The big picture:
The Fajr Film Festival was established in 1982 and has since become Iran’s premier cinematic event, celebrating the nation’s film industry for over four decades. In 2026, it will mark its 44th edition, reflecting a long-standing tradition of recognizing cinematic excellence. The festival features several key sections, including the Main Competition (Soudaye Simorgh) for feature films, the New Look section for debut filmmakers, as well as categories for documentaries, short films, and animation.
Details:
The closing ceremony of the 1404 (2026) Fajr Film Festival honored the outstanding achievements of filmmakers and artists across various categories. The winners are as follows:
- Visual Effects: The Crystal Simorgh in the Visual Effects category was awarded to Mohammad-Hassan Izadi for The Land of Angels. The jury also honored Tala Karbasi for her work on The Bridge.
- Field (Practical) Special Effects: The Crystal Simorgh was awarded to Reza Torkaman for The Successor.
- Best Makeup: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were presented to Soudabeh Khosravi for Migration.
- Best Costume Design: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma went to Majid Lilaji for Migration.
- Best Production Design: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Payam Hossein Souri for The Land of Angels.
- Best Supporting Actress: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Maral Farjad for Zende Shoor.
- Best Supporting Actor: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma went to Shahram Haghighatdoost for Ordobehesht.
- Best Sound: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were jointly awarded to Saeed Zand and Seyed Alireza Alavian for Escort (Sound Recording and Sound Design).
- Best Original Score: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were presented to Karen Homayounfar for Zende Shoor.
- Best Editing: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma went to Meysam Molaei for Escort.
- Best Cinematography: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Hadi Behrouz for Midnight.
- Child Actors Recognition: An Honorary Diploma was awarded to Benita Afshari for her performance in Boating in Tehran. Child actors of The Land of Angels and Migration were also honored. Additionally, Kamel Harb, acting coach of The Land of Angels, received special recognition.
- Best Actress in a Leading Role:
- The Crystal Simorgh, Honorary Diploma, and Special Jury Prize were awarded to Sulaf Fawakherji for The Land of Angels.
- Additionally, the Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma for Best Actress were awarded to Azita Hajian for Cafe Sultan. Her award was received on her behalf by Mohammad-Reza Sharifinia.
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Bahram Afshari for Zende Shoor. Director Kazem Daneshi accepted the award on his behalf.
- Best Screenplay:
- The Honorary Diploma for Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Mehdi Motahar and Mohammad Esfandiyari for Migration.
- The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma for Best Screenplay were presented to Mehdi Yazdani Khorram and Azam Behrouz for Midnight.
- Best First Feature Director:
- The Crystal Simorgh, Honorary Diploma, and Special Jury Prize were awarded to Mohammad Davoudi for directing Ordiobehesht.
- The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma for Best First Feature Director also went to Mohsen Bahari for The Gambler.
- Best Director:
- The Crystal Simorgh, Honorary Diploma, and Special Jury Prize were awarded to Babak Khajeh Pasha for The Land of Angels.
- The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma for Best Director were also presented to Kazem Daneshi for Zende Shoor.
- Best Film (National Outlook Award): Three films — The Bridge, Migration, and Midnight — were recognized as worthy of special mention.
- The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Habib Vali Nejad for producing Midnight. Vali Nejad dedicated his award to director Mohammad-Hossein Mahdavian.
- Best Producer:
- The Honorary Diploma for Best First Feature Producer was awarded to Hossein Kakavand for A Woman’s Good Mood.
- The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma for Best Film were awarded to Manouchehr Mohammadi for The Land of Angels.
- Short Film: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Mikaeil Diani for Violation.
- Documentary Film:
- The Honorary Diploma for Best Documentary Director was awarded to Hamed Saadat for Qaem Forest.
- The Crystal Simorgh for Best Documentary Director went to Mohammad Avazadeh for For the Girls.
- The Crystal Simorgh for Best Documentary Producer was awarded to Zohreh Najafzadeh for Standing Beside the Thames.
- Audience Award: Zende Shoor and Escort were jointly named Best Popular Film. The shared Crystal Simorgh was awarded to Kazem Daneshi, Mohammadreza Mansouri, and Yousef Hatamikia.
Advertising Section Winners
Photography: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Mehrdad Ghazizadeh Amini for God of War.
Poster: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma went to Mohammad Taghi Pour for The Morning of Execution.
Trailer: The Crystal Simorgh and Honorary Diploma were awarded to Armin Monibi for Instinct.
Go deeper:
44th Fajr Theater Festival Concludes With Winners Announced In Tehran
Shiraz Hosts Closing Ceremony of 43rd Fajr International Film Festival
F.abedi - Hossein Vaez
