Palestinian Actor Motaz Malhees Barred from Attending Oscars due to US Entry Ban

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has confirmed that he will be unable to attend the Academy Awards ceremony this weekend due to a travel ban imposed by the United States government under President Donald Trump.

Malhees is the lead actor in “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, which has been nominated in the Best International Film category.

The film depicts the true story of a Palestinian Red Crescent volunteer who attempted to rescue five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trapped under gunfire from Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. In the film, Malhees portrays Omar A. Alqam, a call centre operator who attempted to assist Hind Rajab by telephone.

The entry prohibition is directly connected to a new policy that came into effect on 1 January, which completely restricts access to the United States for individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Through an Instagram post, Malhees expressed his disappointment whilst remaining steadfast in his identity. “I am not permitted to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship. This is painful. However, this is the reality. You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice,” Malhees stated.

Although fellow cast members holding dual citizenship are expected to be able to attend, Malhees, who holds only a Palestinian passport, must forgo this historic moment.

Nevertheless, Malhees emphasised that the film’s message is far more significant than travel documentation. “I am Palestinian, and I stand with pride and dignity. My spirit will accompany ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ that evening. Best wishes to you all. Our story is bigger than any barrier, and it will be heard,” he added.

The entry restriction policy does not only target Palestinian citizens but also includes other countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, citing security concerns.

Meanwhile, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has continued to receive international recognition, having previously won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

Although its lead actor is prohibited from attending the Oscar red carpet, the film’s success in achieving a nomination for the highest honour in the global film industry is regarded as a victory for the Palestinian humanitarian narrative conveyed through cinema.