Few Iranian actresses have become as internationally recognized and symbolically powerful as Taraneh Alidoosti. Born in Tehran in 1984 into an artistic family—her father a professional footballer and her mother a sculptor—Alidoosti made her acting debut at just 17 in I’m Taraneh, 15, a film that instantly catapulted her to national prominence and earned her a Best Actress award at the Locarno International Film Festival. From the outset, her work was marked by emotional intensity, intelligence, and boldness in role selection.

Alidoosti’s career has been shaped by collaborations with celebrated director Asghar Farhadi, including Beautiful City (2004), Fireworks Wednesday (2006), and especially The Salesman (2016), which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Her performance in The Salesman was praised for its subtlety and power, anchoring the film’s exploration of gender, trauma, and dignity. She also starred in About Elly (2009), a haunting ensemble drama that helped pave the way for a new wave of Iranian cinema internationally.

Among her accolades, Alidoosti has received several Crystal Simorgh awards (Iran’s highest film honor) and was named Best Actress multiple times at the Fajr International Film Festival. Beyond awards, her greatest impact may lie in her courage offscreen. In 2023, she was arrested for publicly supporting the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, becoming a symbol of resistance and artistic integrity in the face of repression. Her detainment provoked global outcry and solidified her reputation not only as an actor but as a voice of conscience.

Taraneh Alidoosti represents a generation of artists unwilling to compromise. Whether portraying wounded daughters, resilient wives, or complex protagonists caught between tradition and change, she brings a fierce humanity to the screen. She continues to work in both film and television, and despite political constraints, her career remains a testament to Iranian cinema’s resilience and brilliance.

Essential viewing:

• I’m Taraneh, 15 (2002) – A teenage girl fights for her agency in a conservative society.
• The Salesman (2016) – Trauma, art, and revenge collide in Farhadi’s Oscar-winning drama.
• About Elly (2009) – A mysterious disappearance fractures a group of friends on holiday.
• Subtraction (2022) – A psychological thriller where she plays dual roles in a stark tale of identity and domestic tension.

With elegance and strength, Alidoosti stands at the crossroads of artistry and activism. Her face is not just one of Iranian cinema—it’s one of its deepest, most unflinching voices.