Golshifteh Farahani Bio
Golshifteh Farahani, born on July 10, 1983, in Tehran, Iran, is an Iranian and French actress celebrated for her compelling performances in films such as M for Mother and Body of Lies. A graduate of the University of Applied Science and Technology, she began her career in 1996 and has been active in the film industry ever since, facing both acclaim and controversy due to her bold choices. Known for her roles in various significant projects, including the award-winning About Elly and The Patience Stone, she has made a mark both in Iranian cinema and in international films, especially in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Golshifteh Farahani was born to Behzad Farahani, a theatre director and actor, and Fahimeh Rahiminia, a stage actress. She has a sister, Shaghayegh Farahani, who is also an actress. The name Golshifteh, meaning “loving flower,” was invented by her father, while her legal name, Rahavard, translates to “gift of the road.” Farahani began studying music and piano at the age of five and later attended a music school in Tehran. At the age of 14, she was cast as the lead in Dariush Mehrjui’s film The Pear Tree, a role that earned her the Crystal Roc for Best Actress from the International Section of the 16th Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran.
Path to Hollywood
Farahani’s early roles and training set the foundation for her future career. She starred in the drama About Elly, which won Best Picture at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival and a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. However, her appearance in the Hollywood film Body of Lies, seen by Iranian authorities as a violation of Islamic law due to her appearance without a hijab, led to her being barred from returning to Iran since 2009. Following her departure, she relocated to France, where she worked with renowned directors such as Roland Joffé, Jim Jarmusch, and Marjane Satrapi.
Golshifteh Farahani Career
Early Career (1996–2008)
Golshifteh Farahani began her acting career in 1996, gaining recognition for her role in The Pear Tree. Her breakthrough came with the film About Elly, which garnered critical acclaim and won several awards. In 2008, she starred in Body of Lies alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, marking her entry into Hollywood. This film was pivotal in her career, despite the controversies it sparked regarding her status in Iran.
Breakthrough (2009–2016)
Farahani’s career continued to flourish with her performance in The Patience Stone in 2012, which received positive reviews and led to her nomination for Most Promising Actress at the César Awards in 2014. In 2016, she played the lead role of Laura in Jim Jarmusch’s film Paterson, opposite Adam Driver. The film was well-received, achieving a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Notable Works and Milestones
Golshifteh Farahani is known for her signature roles in films such as M for Mother, Body of Lies, and The Patience Stone. Her performances have earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a talented actress in both Iranian and international cinema.
Golshifteh Farahani Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Golshifteh Farahani has received several nominations for her performances, most notably her nomination for Most Promising Actress at the César Awards for her role in The Patience Stone.
Golshifteh Farahani Awards Won
While she has not won major awards, her nomination at the César Awards highlights her talent and recognition in the film industry.
Golshifteh Farahani Family
Golshifteh Farahani’s family includes her father, Behzad Farahani, and her mother, Fahimeh Rahiminia, both of whom have influenced her career in the arts. She has a sister, Shaghayegh Farahani, who is also an actress.
Personal Life
Golshifteh Farahani was married to Amin Mahdavi from 2003 until their divorce. She later married Christos Dorje Walker in 2015 and has been in a relationship with French actor Louis Garrel. As of 2017, she splits her time between Ibiza, Spain, and Porto, Portugal, after living in Paris for several years.
