The 97th Academy Awards may have celebrated the best in cinema, but the night was not without its share of controversy. The Oscar for Best Documentary Feature went to No Other Land, a powerful film chronicling the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank’s Masafer Yatta community and their struggles against Israeli occupation. While the win was met with widespread applause in Hollywood, it drew sharp criticism from Israel’s Culture Minister, who called it a “sad moment” for the global stage.
A Film That Crosses Boundaries
Directed by a team of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, No Other Land tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. The documentary explores the harrowing realities of life under occupation, including home demolitions, settler violence, and forced displacement. It also sheds light on the human cost of decades-long conflict while offering a rare glimpse into collaboration between individuals on opposing sides.
During their acceptance speech, Adra and Abraham emphasized the importance of their shared vision. “We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together, our voices are stronger,” said Abraham. Adra added an emotional note about becoming a father two months ago: “My hope is that my daughter will not have to live the same life I’m living now.”
The filmmakers also used their platform to call for an end to violence and a political solution that ensures equal rights for both Israelis and Palestinians. Their words resonated with many in the audience, sparking a standing ovation.
Israel’s Culture Minister Responds
While No Other Land was celebrated in Hollywood, its win drew ire from Israeli officials. Israel’s Culture Minister criticized the Academy’s decision, calling it a “sad moment” that undermines Israel’s global image. In a statement released shortly after the ceremony, the minister argued that the film presented a one-sided narrative that failed to reflect the complexities of the situation in Masafer Yatta.
“This is not just an award for a film; it is an endorsement of a biased perspective that disregards Israel’s security concerns and efforts to protect its citizens,” the minister said. The statement also accused the filmmakers of politicizing art and using their platform to delegitimize Israel on an international stage.
A Polarizing Win
The backlash from Israeli officials underscores how deeply divisive No Other Land has become. Supporters argue that the documentary provides a necessary critique of systemic injustices faced by Palestinians, amplifying voices often marginalized in mainstream media. Critics, however, see it as an oversimplification of a complex conflict that unfairly vilifies one side.
Hollywood insiders have largely rallied behind the film, praising its courage and storytelling. “This is what documentaries are meant to do—shine a light on difficult truths,” said one Academy voter who supported No Other Land. Others pointed out that art has always been political and that films like this challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable realities.
On social media, reactions were equally divided. Some hailed the win as a victory for human rights and free expression, while others accused the Academy of taking sides in an ongoing geopolitical conflict.
The Power of Documentary Filmmaking
The controversy surrounding No Other Land highlights the unique power of documentary filmmaking to influence public opinion and spark dialogue. By focusing on personal stories rather than abstract statistics or political rhetoric, documentaries can humanize complex issues in ways traditional media often cannot.
For No Other Land, this meant showing not just the suffering but also the resilience of those living under occupation. The film’s portrayal of Adra and Abraham’s friendship offers a glimmer of hope amid despair—a reminder that collaboration is possible even in deeply divided regions.
A Broader Context
The timing of No Other Land’s release adds another layer of significance to its Oscar win. The film comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel and subsequent escalations in Gaza and the West Bank. Tens of thousands have been killed or displaced in what has become one of the most devastating periods in recent history for both Israelis and Palestinians.
In this context, No Other Land serves as both documentation and commentary—a call for empathy at a time when divisions seem insurmountable. However, its critics argue that such calls must also acknowledge Israel’s security concerns and broader regional dynamics.
A Legacy Beyond Controversy
Regardless of where one stands on its message, there’s no denying that No Other Land has made an indelible mark on both cinema and public discourse. Its Oscar win ensures that its story will reach an even wider audience, sparking conversations about justice, coexistence, and accountability.
For Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, this recognition is more than just an accolade—it’s validation of their belief in storytelling as a tool for change. As Abraham said during his acceptance speech: “There is a different path—a political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both our peoples.”
Their words may not resolve decades of conflict overnight, but they offer a vision worth striving for—a vision where art bridges divides rather than deepening them.
Moving Forward
As debates over No Other Land continue to unfold, its impact on audiences worldwide remains undeniable. Whether seen as a bold act of resistance or a polarizing piece of propaganda, it has succeeded in doing what great art often does: forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths and question our assumptions.
For now, No Other Land stands as both an artistic triumph and a lightning rod for controversy—a testament to the enduring power of cinema to shape how we see ourselves and each other.