A Palestinian documentary about the “Israeli Occupation” took home the Oscar for Best Documentary at last night’s Academy Awards, sparking widespread debate. The State of Palestine’s official X account quickly celebrated the victory, calling “on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
“No Other Land” is a documentary that delves into the experiences of Palestinians in Judea & Samaria, particularly focusing on the village of Masafer Yatta. Directed by Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, the film captures the period from 2019 to 2023, “highlighting the challenges faced by residents due to Israeli military actions and settler activities,” however not mentioning anything about October 7th, 2023 or why the town has to have such a heavy security presence.
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Controversy swirled behind the scenes as reports emerged that Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who was originally announced as a presenter, allegedly requested not to present the Best Documentary award in case the film won. Instead, sources claim she was reassigned to present the award for Best Production Design, which immediately followed the Best Documentary announcement.
During their acceptance speech, the film’s creators used the platform to make a political statement:
“It reflects the harsh reality that we have been enduring for decades and still persists as we call to stop the injustice and stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.”
The documentary’s win has ignited heated reactions online, with critics accusing the Academy of rewarding anti-Israel propaganda, while supporters argue the film sheds light on Palestinian suffering.
The Oscars have long been a stage for political activism, but this latest controversy underscores the growing tensions between Hollywood and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
