Navid Mohammadzadeh
Navid Mohammadzadeh (born 6 April 1986) is an Iranian actor of mixed Persian and Kurdish descent, renowned for his compelling performances in theater and contemporary cinema, earning him widespread acclaim in Iran and internationally.[1] Born in Mehran, Ilam Province, Iran, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Crystal Simorghs for Best Supporting Actor at the Fajr International Film Festival—for his roles in Life and a Day (2016) and No Date, No Signature (2017)—as well as the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the 74th Venice International Film Festival for the latter film.[2][3] Mohammadzadeh began his artistic journey in theater before making his screen debut in the 2008 film Among the Clouds directed by Rouhollah Hejazi.[1] His career gained momentum with the 2014 drama I'm Not Angry!, marking a significant breakthrough, and he has since starred in critically acclaimed works such as Lantouri (2016), Sheeple (2018), and Just 6.5 (2019), often portraying complex, socially charged characters in Iranian society.[1] These roles have solidified his reputation as one of Iran's leading actors, with additional honors including four Hafez Awards and three Iran Cinema Celebration Awards for his contributions to film.[2] In recent years, Mohammadzadeh has expanded into international projects, including the lead role in the 2023 series The Actor, which premiered at Series Mania and explored themes of make-believe and identity in the entertainment industry.[4] He continues to be a prominent figure in Iranian cinema, balancing intense dramatic roles with advocacy for artistic expression amid evolving cultural landscapes, and received a 2024 Hafez Award nomination for The Asphalt Jungle.[2]Biography
Early life
Navid Mohammadzadeh was born on April 6, 1986, in Mehran, a border city in Ilam Province, Iran.[5] He comes from a mixed ethnic background, being half Persian and half Iranian Kurdish, which reflects the diverse cultural influences in his native region near the Iraq border.[6][7] Mohammadzadeh pursued higher education in a technical field, completing an associate degree in civil engineering at a local institution. He later studied acting at the Haft Honar Cultural Institute of Karaj.[6][7][8] Throughout his studies, he showed little initial interest in acting or the arts, instead concentrating on engineering principles and practical applications as a potential career path. This focus on technical education highlighted his early pragmatic approach to life, prior to any involvement in creative pursuits.Personal life
Mohammadzadeh married actress Fereshteh Hosseini on July 19, 2021, confirming the union through a post on his official Instagram account that garnered significant media attention.[9][6] In July 2025, Mohammadzadeh's father-in-law, an Afghan national holding a valid Amayesh residency card in Iran for over 30 years, was arrested by police at his home in the early morning. Mohammadzadeh addressed the incident publicly, stating that "detaining an individual with legal documentation is indefensible" and urging authorities to "take responsibility, and do an apology."[10]Career
Beginnings in theatre
Navid Mohammadzadeh entered the world of theatre during his university years, pursuing an associate degree in civil engineering at Sadra University in Tehran from 2006 to 2011.[11] His initial foray into acting began around 2008, when he started participating in amateur and student productions while still focused on engineering studies. This period marked a pivotal shift, as Mohammadzadeh balanced rigorous academic demands with emerging artistic pursuits, often rehearsing late into the night after classes. To hone his skills, he trained in Tehran through workshops and classes, drawing inspiration from mentors such as Mohammad Yegoubi. These experiences in the city's vibrant theatre community, including early involvement with the Tazeh Theatre Group founded in 2011, provided foundational training that emphasized character depth and ensemble work.[12] Mohammadzadeh's dedication during this time was tested by logistical hurdles, such as coordinating engineering exams with theatre schedules, yet it fueled his commitment to the craft. Another significant production was Pachpachehaye Posht-e Khat-e Nabard (Whispers Behind the Battle Line), under Ashkan Khailnejad's direction, which highlighted his ability to convey emotional intensity on stage. These roles, performed while he grappled with the demands of dual paths, underscored the challenges of financial instability and self-doubt in Tehran's competitive theatre landscape, ultimately leading him to abandon engineering aspirations for full-time acting by the early 2010s.[13]Breakthrough in film
Mohammadzadeh made his film debut in 2008 with a supporting role in Rouhollah Hejazi's Among the Clouds, marking his initial foray into cinema after years of theatre work.[8] However, his true breakthrough came in 2014 with the lead role in Reza Dormishian's I'm Not Angry!, a controversial social drama that premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival. In the film, Mohammadzadeh portrayed Navid, a frustrated young man expelled from university amid Iran's political tensions, delivering a performance noted for its raw intensity and emotional depth.[14] The role earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising talent in Iranian cinema, with the film's jittery style amplifying his portrayal of simmering rage and societal disillusionment.[15] Building on this momentum, Mohammadzadeh took on complex supporting roles in subsequent films that further showcased his versatility. His performance in Vahid Jalilvand's 2017 drama No Date, No Signature solidified his international recognition; playing Moosa, the desperate father of a boy injured in a hit-and-run accident, Mohammadzadeh won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival, where the film also secured the Best Director prize for Jalilvand.[16][17] Critics highlighted his no-holds-barred intensity in key scenes, such as a desperate monologue at a poultry plant that conveyed soul-crushing anguish through physical force and verbal storm, blending naturalistic realism with heightened emotional power.[16] By the late 2010s, Mohammadzadeh's consistent portrayals of tormented, introspective characters had positioned him as one of Iran's leading actors, revitalizing contemporary Iranian cinema with his ability to embody the frustrations of the youth and underclass. His naturalistic yet intensely physical style drew comparisons to a new wave of authentic storytelling, influencing a generation of filmmakers to explore bold social themes through compelling human drama.[8]Expansion to television, web series, and producing
Following his breakthrough in Iranian cinema during the 2010s, Navid Mohammadzadeh diversified his career into television and web series in the 2020s, leveraging streaming platforms to explore complex characters in serialized formats. His debut in a major series came with The Frog (2020–2021), a crime drama directed by Houman Seyyedi and available on Namava, where he portrayed Noori, a enigmatic wealthy figure entangled in a heist planned by his childhood acquaintances.[18] This 15-episode production, which blends tension and social commentary on class divides, marked Mohammadzadeh's first foray into long-form television storytelling and garnered international distribution deals.[18] Building on this momentum, Mohammadzadeh starred in the 2023 dramedy series The Actor, created by Nima Javidi and premiered at Series Mania festival, playing Ali, one half of a duo of unemployed theater actors who pivot to private investigation amid personal and professional turmoil.[4] The 20-episode Namava series, emphasizing mood and improvisation over linear plot, highlighted his versatility in blending humor with existential themes in a web format. In 2024, he took the lead role of Pasha Moghimi in The Asphalt Jungle, a 14-episode drama series on Namava directed by Pejman Teymourtash, depicting a man's descent into crime to fund his brother's ransom amid urban desperation.[19] The series, produced by Esmaeel Afifeh, received a special mention for excellence at the Accolade Global Film Competition, underscoring its impact in portraying socioeconomic pressures.[20] In parallel, Mohammadzadeh entered film and theater production in the mid-2020s to champion emerging Iranian narratives. His producing debut in features arrived with Between Dreams and Hope (2025), directed by Farnoosh Samadi and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, which follows a transgender man and his partner navigating familial and societal conflicts between tradition and modernity.[21] Through his company, Navid Mohammadzadeh Production, he co-produced the film alongside Ebrahim Amerian, aiming to amplify underrepresented stories and support young filmmakers in Iran's evolving creative landscape.[22] This venture extends to theater, where he produced Funfair (2024–2025) at the Labkhand Theater Complex, a production blending performance and social critique.[23] Among his upcoming works, Mohammadzadeh stars in the 2025 film Oh, What Happy Days!, directed by Homayoun Ghanizadeh, a thriller centered on an actress blackmailed via a compromising video during a real-time call on the brink of losing her family estate.[24] This project, featuring a ensemble including Golshifteh Farahani and Payman Maadi, signals his continued expansion across media boundaries.Public life
Controversies and censorship
In 2022, Navid Mohammadzadeh faced significant censorship and professional restrictions amid a broader crackdown on Iranian filmmakers under President Ebrahim Raisi's administration, which targeted artists for works perceived as challenging state norms or for international activities without approval.[25] This period saw escalated scrutiny on cinema and theater, including bans on screenings and suspensions of productions, as authorities sought to enforce compliance with cultural and legal guidelines.[25] One prominent instance involved the film Leila's Brothers (2022), in which Mohammadzadeh starred as one of the lead siblings in a drama critiquing economic hardship and family dynamics in Iran. The Cinema Organization of Iran (COI) rejected the film for domestic screening on June 21, 2022, citing violations of regulations, including its unauthorized submission to the Cannes Film Festival without required modifications and approval.[26] COI director Mohammad Khazaei described the cast's actions at Cannes, such as Mohammadzadeh's public kiss with his wife and co-star Fereshteh Hosseini on the red carpet, as "non-cultural" and "exhibitionist," contributing to the ban despite the film's international acclaim, including the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes.[26][27] The repercussions extended to Mohammadzadeh's theatrical work, particularly his production of the play Night of Doubt (2022), which was banned by the Evaluation and Supervision Council of the General Directorate of Dramatic Arts shortly after the film's controversy. Official reasons included the play's production outside the legal framework and an illegally obtained trailer license from the Department of Performing Arts under the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.[27] The ban could be lifted only if Mohammadzadeh's name was removed as producer, fueling speculation that it stemmed from his high-profile role in the Cannes events rather than the play's content itself.[27] Additionally, multiple plays involving Mohammadzadeh were suspended in 2022 as part of the intensified pressure on the Leila's Brothers cast and crew, reflecting a wider governmental effort to curb dissent in the arts through threats of blacklisting and travel restrictions.[25] These measures aligned with announcements from the COI in August 2022 to compile lists of banned filmmakers, underscoring the institutional barriers Mohammadzadeh encountered during this repressive phase.[25]Advocacy and social statements
In 2020, amid widespread public anger following the Iranian government's downing of a civilian passenger plane and the ensuing protests, Mohammadzadeh publicly advocated for remaining in Iran to demand rights and pursue internal reforms, positioning himself against the trend of celebrity emigration during political turmoil.[28][29] During periods of intensified repression against the arts in Iran, particularly the 2022 bans on numerous filmmakers and actors for perceived dissent, Mohammadzadeh voiced support for artists' rights. In May 2022, he signed the "Lay Down Your Gun" statement urging authorities to refrain from violence against protesters as part of the broader Woman, Life, Freedom movement.[30][31][32] In July 2025, Mohammadzadeh released a video statement condemning the arrest of his father-in-law—Fereshteh Hosseini's father—as unjustifiable, highlighting the early-morning raid on their family home despite the man's legal residency in Iran and framing it as an example of arbitrary state overreach.[10] Later that year, in November 2025, Mohammadzadeh participated in a prominent photoshoot traversing the streets of Tehran at dawn, capturing his deep ties to Iranian urban culture and everyday city life through images in historic areas like the Tajrish Bazaar, as a subtle affirmation of his rootedness amid ongoing social challenges.[33]Filmography and credits
Film
| Year | Title | Director | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Among the Clouds (Dar miane abrha) | Rouhollah Hejazi | Bagher | Supporting |
| 2013 | Fat Shaker (Larzanandeye Charbi) | Mohammad Shirvani | Officer | Lead |
| 2014 | I'm Not Angry! (Asabani nistam!) | Reza Dormishian | Navid | Lead |
| 2015 | Nahid | Ida Panahandeh | Ahmad | Supporting |
| 2016 | Life and a Day (Zindagi va digar hich) | Saeed Roustaee | Mohsen | Supporting |
| 2016 | Lantouri | Reza Dormishian | Pasha | Lead |
| 2016 | Sound and Fury (Khashm va Hayahoo) | Houman Seyyedi | Khosro Parsa | Lead |
| 2016 | Asphyxia (Khafegi) | Vahid Jalilvand | Masoud | Lead |
| 2017 | No Date, No Signature (Bedoone Tarikh, Bedoone Emza) | Vahid Jalilvand | Moosa | Supporting |
| 2018 | Sheeple (Gavaznha) | Houman Seyedi | Shahin | Lead |
| 2019 | Just 6.5 (Shahar-e kollaha) | Saeed Roustaee | Nasser Khakzad | Lead |
| 2019 | The Warden (Sorkhpoost) | Nima Javidi | Nemat Jahed | Lead |
| 2022 | Beyond the Wall (Atefi) | Vahid Jalilvand | Ali | Lead |
| 2022 | Leila's Brothers (Baradaran-e Leyla) | Saeed Roustaee | Alireza | Lead |
| 2022 | Subtraction (Tafriq) | Mani Haghighi | Farhad | Lead |
| 2024 | Pressure Cooker (Dige behtar az in nemishe) | Rambod Javan | Shahin Solati | Lead |
| 2025 | Oh, What Happy Days! (Ah che roozhaye khoshi bood!) | Homayoun Ghanizadeh | TBA | Upcoming, Lead (anticipated) |
Television and web series
Mohammadzadeh began his television work early in his career with appearances in Iranian broadcast programs and films, transitioning later to prominent roles in web series on platforms like Namava and Filimo. His notable television and web series credits include:| Year(s) | Title | Role | Network/Platform | Episodes | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A Share for a Friend (Sahmi Baraye Doost) | Supporting role | IRIB TV2 | 15 | [34] |
| 2012 | Our Story, Your Story (Dastane Ma, Ghesseye To) | Mehran's father | Baran TV | TV film (1 episode) | [35] |
| 2020–2021 | The Frog (Gharibaghe) | Noori (main role) | Filimo | 15 | [36] [37] |
| 2023 | Actor (Bazigar) | Ali (main role) | Namava | 20 | [38] [39] |
| 2024 | The Asphalt Jungle (Jangale Asfalt) | Pasha Moghimi (main role) | Namava | 14 | [40] [41] |
Theatre
Navid Mohammadzadeh began his professional theatre career in the mid-2000s, building a reputation through diverse roles in Iranian stage productions before transitioning prominently to film. His stage work often featured collaborations with leading directors and addressed themes ranging from social drama to adaptations of classic literature. Below is a chronological overview of his key theatre productions, highlighting notable roles, directors, and venues where available.| Year | Title | Role/Notes | Director | Venue | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Whose Life Is It Anyway? | Ken Harrison | Ashkan Kheilnejad | Iranshahr Theater Complex | [43] |
| 2016 | Diabolic: Romeo & Juliet | Lead role | Ali Sarabi | Not specified | [44] |
| 2017 | God of Carnage | Lead role | Ali Sarabi | Shahrzad Theater Complex | [45] |
| 2017 | Whispers Behind the Frontline | Lead role | Ashkan Khilnejad | Shahrzad Theater Complex | [46] |
| 2017 | Oliver Twist | Lead role in musical adaptation | Hossein Parsaei | Vahdat Hall | [47] |
| 2018 | Les Misérables | Lead role in musical adaptation | Hossein Parsaei | Not specified | [48] |
| 2019 | The Pillowman | Lead role | Ali Sarabi | Not specified | [49] |
| 2022 | Night of Doubt | Producer | Amir Hossein Barimani | Molavi Hall | [50] |
| 2024 | 300 | Ferdowsi | Mohammad Rahmanian | Saadabad Cultural Complex | [51] |
| 2024 | Only God | Producer | Not specified | Not specified | [52] |
| 2024–2025 | Funfair (Amusement Park) | Writer, director, and lead role | Navid Mohammadzadeh | Labkhand Theater Complex | [53] |
Awards and honors
Film awards
Navid Mohammadzadeh has garnered significant recognition for his film roles, earning two Crystal Simorgh awards from the Fajr International Film Festival, the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival, four Hafez Awards, and three Iran Cinema Celebration Awards.[6][54] His first Crystal Simorgh came in 2016 at the 34th Fajr International Film Festival, where he won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Life and a Day.[55] In 2017, at the 35th Fajr International Film Festival, he received the Crystal Simorgh for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for No Date, No Signature.[56] That same year, Mohammadzadeh won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor at the 74th Venice International Film Festival for his role in No Date, No Signature.[17][57] For the Hafez Awards, Mohammadzadeh won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture in 2016 for Life and a Day.[55] He shared the Best Actor in a Motion Picture award in 2017 for Lantouri.[58] In 2019, he shared the Best Actor in a Motion Picture award for his work in Sheeple.[59] In 2020, he won Best Actor in Cinema for The Warden.[2] At the Iran Cinema Celebration Awards, Mohammadzadeh won Best Supporting Actor in 2018 for No Date, No Signature.[60] He received Best Actor in 2019 for The Warden. In 2020, he was honored with the Creative Acting Award for The Warden.[61]| Year | Award | Film | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Crystal Simorgh (34th Fajr International Film Festival) | Life and a Day | Best Actor in a Supporting Role |
| 2017 | Crystal Simorgh (35th Fajr International Film Festival) | No Date, No Signature | Best Actor in a Supporting Role |
| 2017 | Orizzonti Award (Venice International Film Festival) | No Date, No Signature | Best Actor |
| 2016 | Hafez Award | Life and a Day | Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture |
| 2017 | Hafez Award | Lantouri | Best Actor in a Motion Picture (shared) |
| 2019 | Hafez Award | Sheeple | Best Actor in a Motion Picture (shared) |
| 2020 | Hafez Award | The Warden | Best Actor in Cinema |
| 2018 | Iran Cinema Celebration Award | No Date, No Signature | Best Supporting Actor |
| 2019 | Iran Cinema Celebration Award | The Warden | Best Actor |
| 2020 | Iran Cinema Celebration Award | The Warden | Creative Acting |