Palestinian Actor Barred from Entering US for Oscar Ceremony Over Passport Status

The docudrama film “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, has received a nomination for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. However, one of its cast members has been barred from attending the ceremony due to travel restrictions imposed by the United States on Palestinian citizens.

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees announced via Instagram that he has been denied entry to the United States because of his Palestinian citizenship. In the film, Malhees plays a Red Crescent operator who attempts to rescue a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who becomes trapped in a car during an Israeli military assault in Gaza.

“Our film The Voice of Hind Rajab has received an Oscar nomination. I have been honoured to play one of the leading roles in a story that the world needs to hear. But I will not be present. I am not permitted to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship,” Malhees stated, according to Variety on Sunday, 15 March 2025.

Malhees expressed that the prohibition was painful for him. However, he asserted that the US travel ban cannot silence the voices and stories of Palestine.

“And I stand with pride and dignity. My spirit will remain with the film The Voice of Hind Rajab on that evening. I wish you all success. Our story is greater than any obstacle, and it will be heard,” Malhees said.

The ban is connected to a policy implemented by US President Donald Trump in December, which prohibits holders of Palestinian passports from entering the United States. The policy also extends to citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Although Malhees will not attend the Oscar ceremony, Tunisian director Ben Hania is expected to be able to attend.