Instagram/Sara Shahverdi & Sara Kha Movie Iranian Oscar nominee Sara Shahverdi barred from Oscars due to U.S. visa restrictions. The star of "Cutting Through Rocks" cannot attend the ceremony. March 22, 2026 AceShowbiz - The protagonist of the Iranian documentary Cutting Through Rocks, Sara Shahverdi, will not be attending the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, according to the film's directors. Co-directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni shared the disappointing news via a social media statement.