Asghar Farhadi's "The Salesman" has been selected to represent iran at the Oscars. The film marks the fourth time Farhadi represents Iran at the Oscars. His films "About Elly," "The Past" and "A Separation" also represented the country. Only "A Separation" was nominated in 2011 and that film won the Oscar. It was also nominated for Best Screenplay,.

"The Salesman" made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Best Screenplay award and Best Actor award. The film then premiered at the Toronto Film festival and is slated for London in November. Cohen Media Group will release the movie alongside Amazon Studios in December.

Iran began submitting films for the Oscars in 1977 but has not been consistent. The country has been represented five times by Majid Majidi and his film "Children of Heaven" obtained Iran's first nomination. As noted Farhadi has represented the country the second most times and is considered one of the greatest the country currently has.

Last year Majidi's film "Muhammed: The Messenger of God" represented the country. The movie made its world premiere at the Montreal World Film Festival but was met with widespread criticism upon its release.

"The Salesman" is widely considered one of the front-runners for the Foreign Language Film. However, it must first face off against other challenging contenders including "Chevalier," "Neruda," "Death in Sarajevo," "Letters from War," "On the Other Side." "Toni Erdman," "Julietta," and "The Happiest Day in the Life of the Olli Maki."

The Academy is known for choosing some of the most critically acclaimed films out of the festival circuit. Most films that win the category have distribution deals lined up out festivals and have buzz from the beginning of awards season. Recently "Son of Saul," "Ida," "The Great Beauty," and "The Secret in Their Eyes" won the Best Foreign language category.

The Foreign Language Film deadline to submit is Oct. 3. On Jan. 17 the Academy will announce the nine finalists from among the eligible films and on Jan. 24 nominations will be announced. The winner will be announced at the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 26.

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