Palestinian Actor Prevented from Attending Oscars Due to US Travel Restrictions
Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has revealed he will be unable to attend this Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony due to a United States travel ban that prohibits his entry into the country. Malhees plays a significant role in The Voice of Hind Rajab, which has been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars.
Film Details and Nomination Context
The Voice of Hind Rajab is a powerful cinematic work that tells the tragic story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza during 2024. The film has garnered international attention for its poignant narrative and has now received one of cinema's highest honors with its Oscar nomination.
Malhees portrays a call center operator in the film who attempts to assist the young girl during her final moments. Despite the film's nomination and his crucial role in its production, the actor will be conspicuously absent from the red carpet festivities in Hollywood.
Travel Ban Implementation and Impact
"I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship," Malhees stated in an emotional Instagram post. He added that "it hurts" deeply that he will miss the opportunity to represent his film at the prestigious awards ceremony.
The travel restrictions preventing Malhees' entry stem from a December proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump. The proclamation specifically restricts and limits "the entry of individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority." According to the U.S. State Department website, these restrictions went into effect on January 1st and were justified on national security grounds.
Comparative Situation Among Cast Members
Malhees noted that other Palestinian cast members from The Voice of Hind Rajab possess citizenship from countries that allow them to travel to the United States without restriction. However, he holds only a Palestinian passport, which places him under the specific travel ban provisions.
The State Department has not provided immediate comment regarding Malhees' particular situation or the broader implications of the travel restrictions on international artists seeking to attend cultural events in the United States.
Background of the Film's Subject Matter
The Voice of Hind Rajab was inspired by a devastating incident in which five of Rajab's family members and two ambulance workers who attempted to rescue her were also killed by Israeli fire. The Israeli government has stated that this particular incident remains under review.
The film serves as both a memorial to the young victim and a broader commentary on the human cost of conflict in the region.
Broader Context of Palestinian Travel Restrictions
The Trump administration's travel policies have extended beyond entry restrictions to include attempts to deport foreign pro-Palestinian voices from the United States. In a related development, an immigration judge recently ordered the release of Leqaa Kordia, who lost more than 170 family members in Gaza and has been detained for approximately one year. Previous release orders in her case have not resulted in her freedom.
This situation highlights the complex intersection of international politics, artistic expression, and immigration policy, particularly as it affects individuals from conflict zones seeking to participate in global cultural events.
