Palestinian Actor Barred from Oscars Due to Travel Ban

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees said a travel ban imposed by Donald Trump is preventing him from attending Sunday's Academy Awards, whose nominees include a movie in which he has a starring role.

The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film about a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024, has been nominated for best international feature film.

Malhees, who plays a lead role in the acclaimed Palestinian film, is unable to attend the prestigious award show due to the ongoing travel restrictions imposed by the former US administration. This ban, which targeted individuals from several Muslim-majority countries, has had a significant impact on Palestinian artists and their ability to participate in international events.

"It's very disappointing that I can't be there to support the film and the team," Malhees said in an interview. "This is a film that represents the stories and struggles of the Palestinian people, and it's important for us to have a voice on that global stage."

The Voice of Hind Rajab has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful depiction of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the devastating impact it has on civilian lives. The film's nomination at the Oscars is a significant achievement, bringing much-needed attention to the Palestinian narrative and the human cost of the occupation.

Despite Malhees' absence, the film's director and producer, Hadia Rashed, will attend the ceremony to represent the project. Rashed expressed her disappointment with the travel restrictions, stating, "We had hoped that Motaz could be here to share this moment with us, but the ban has prevented that from happening."

The Oscar nomination for The Voice of Hind Rajab comes at a time of increased global attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with growing calls for accountability and justice for Palestinian victims of violence. While Malhees' absence is a disappointment, the film's recognition on the world stage is a testament to the power of Palestinian storytelling and the continued resilience of the Palestinian people.