Leila Hatami is a highly accomplished and talented actress, who was born on October 1, 1972, in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Tehran, Iran, to a family with a long-standing and esteemed cultural heritage. Her father, Ali Hatami, was a highly acclaimed and respected Iranian director, known for his exceptional skill and mastery of his craft, having made significant contributions to the world of film and cinema.
As a young individual, Leila made her mark in the film industry by appearing in various productions alongside her father, commencing with the historical television series "Hezar dastan" which was released in the year 1978. This marked the beginning of her journey in the world of cinema, where she would go on to showcase her talent and versatility as an actress.
In addition to her early appearances in her father's films, Leila also took on the role of a blind Turkish princess named Leila in the movie "The Love-stricken", which was released in the year 1992. This role further demonstrated her ability to take on complex and diverse characters, showcasing her range as an actress.
Throughout her early years in the film industry, Leila's father played a significant role in her development as an actress, providing her with the opportunity to hone her craft and gain valuable experience. Her appearances in his films, including "Hezar dastan" and "Kamalolmolk" in 1984, served as a stepping stone for her future success in the industry.
Leila's early start in the film industry, coupled with her versatility as an actress, set the stage for a promising career that would span many years to come. Her ability to take on complex roles, such as the blind Turkish princess in "The Love-stricken", demonstrated her range and talent as a young actress.
After finishing high school, Leila embarked on a new journey by relocating to Lausanne, Switzerland, with the sole intention of furthering her education.
Initially, she opted to enroll in Electronic Engineering, a field that sparked her interest and curiosity. However, after devoting two years to this pursuit, she made the bold decision to switch gears and shift her focus to French Literature. This unexpected turn of events led her to explore a new realm of knowledge and understanding.
After a couple of years of intense academic dedication, Leila successfully completed her studies in French Literature and returned to her homeland, Iran, bringing with her a newfound appreciation for the nuances of language and culture.
Leila's film career was temporarily placed on hold for a period of several years as she devoted her attention to furthering her educational pursuits. Despite this hiatus, she eventually made a resounding comeback to the world of cinema, starring in the 1997 film "Leila" directed by the renowned Dariush Mehrjui.
In this role, she brought to life the character of Leila, delivering a performance that was met with widespread critical acclaim. Her outstanding portrayal of the character earned her the prestigious Diploma of Honor for Best Actress at the 15th Fajr Film Festival, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Leila's personal life took a significant turn in 1999 when she exchanged vows with her co-star Ali Mosaffa, a union that has endured to this day. This partnership has also been blessed with the arrival of two precious children, Mani and Asal, who have brought immense joy to their parents' lives. Mani, the elder sibling, was born in February 2007, while Asal, the younger one, joined the family in October 2008.
Notable among her extensive repertoire of cinematic achievements was her captivating portrayal in the 2002 film "The Deserted Station", which garnered her the prestigious Best Actress award at the 26th edition of the renowned Montreal World Film Festival, a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
In addition to her impressive work in "The Deserted Station", she also made a notable appearance in her husband's directorial debut film, "Portrait of a Lady Far Away", released in 2005.
Leila's most recent and most notable role to date was her portrayal in the highly acclaimed film "A Separation", directed by the renowned Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, which premiered in 2011 to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.
Her outstanding performance in this film earned her the coveted Silver Berlin Bear award at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival, a prestigious honor that recognized her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, specifically for her leading role in the movie.
