TEHRAN -- Iran’s third Actor Celebration was held on Saturday night at Tehran’s City Theater, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Sunday.

The celebration was hosted by Rambod Javan and Human Rahnamun.

Roya Teimurian, Davud Rashidi, Turan Mehrzad, Parviz Parastuii, Danial Hakimi, Afsaneh Mahian, Maryam Moini, Shabnam Moqaddami, Mahsa Mahjur, Human Barqnavard, Mikaiil Shahrestani, Siamak Safari, and Ahmad Mehranfar were awarded as the best actors and actresses of Iranian calendar year 1384 (ended March 20, 2006).

“I wished to become a stage actor since childhood,” Davud Rashidi said during the ceremony.

He also praised the late Iranian stage actor Abdolhossein Nushin, saying that Iranian theater is well established today due to his efforts. “In addition, young Iranian troupes traveling around the world also introduce Iranian plays to other nations, and they should be appreciated by Iranian officials.”

The third Actor Celebration also featured performances of a pantomime play directed by Abdolreza Keshavarz and some musical pieces conducted by Hamed Behdad.