The lead actor, who plays a pizza delivery man, is actually a pizza delivery man in real life. He is also a paranoid schizophrenic, which may explain some of the character's traits and behavior.
The director refused to have his fingerprints taken for a temporary visa and, therefore, did not attend the American premiere.
This film was never distributed to Iranian cinemas because it was considered too "dark" by Ministry of Culture of Iran. Therefore, it was not able to be considered as the Iranian entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2003 Oscars because it was not released in Iran.
The story is based on real events that Panahi first heard about when Kiarostami told him the story while they were stuck in a traffic jam on their way to one of Kiarostami's photographic exhibits. Panahi was extremely moved by the story and Kiarostami agreed to write the script for him to direct.
Like his previous film The Circle, Crimson Gold too was banned in Iran.