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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iranian authorities canceled a ceremony Monday in honor of the country's Oscar-winning director even though the government had hailed his win as a triumph over a competitor from Israel.

The event for Asghar Farhadi, whose movie, "A Separation," won the Oscar for best foreign film last month, was abruptly scrapped after authorities denied permission, according to the semiofficial Ilna news agency.

There were no details as to why a permit was denied but some Iranian conservatives were upset with the film's themes: domestic turmoil, gender inequality and the desire by many to leave the country.

Ilna said two cinema groups, the Center for Directors of Iranian Cinema and the High Council of Producers of Iranian Cinema, issued a statement decrying the cancellation. All public events in Iran need government approval.

"We indented to have a simple and friendly meeting to say 'thank you' for the great achievement you brought Iran and Iranian cinema but the cultural custodians did not let us realize this," said the statement, addressing Farhadi.

"We deeply regret this," the statement added. There was no immediate reaction from Farhadi.