Grant Heslov, from left, Ben Affleck, and George Clooney pose with their award for best picture for "Argo" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

TORONTO (AP) -- The former Canadian ambassador to Iran who protected Americans at great personal risk during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis says it was good to hear Ben Affleck thank Canada after Affleck's film "Argo" won the Oscar for best picture.
"Argo" came under criticism from some Canadians, including former ambassador Ken Taylor, who said he felt slighted by the movie because it makes Canada look like a meek observer to CIA heroics. Taylor says it minimizes Canada's role in the Americans' rescue.
Taylor had hoped Affleck would acknowledge Canada's role. Affleck briefly thanked Canada in his acceptance speech Sunday.
Taylor said Monday he was pleased to hear it and said under the circumstances it was fine.
Taylor kept the Americans hidden at his residence and facilitated their escape.