NewKerala.com

Palestinian Actor Barred from Oscars Over Trump Travel Ban on Gaza Film

Motaz Malhees, who stars in the Oscar-nominated docudrama "The Voice of Hind Rajab," announced he cannot attend the Academy Awards ceremony. He is barred from entering the United States due to a travel ban on holders of Palestinian Authority passports instituted by former President Donald Trump. Malhees expressed pride in his role portraying a call center operator trying to help a young girl trapped in Gaza. The film's director, Kaouther Ben Hania, is expected to attend the Oscars.

Key Points: Oscars 2026: Palestinian Actor Blocked by Trump Travel Ban

  • Actor barred from Oscars over passport
  • Trump's ban on Palestinian Authority
  • Film nominated for Best International Feature
  • Story of Gaza girl trapped in car
  • Director expected to attend
2 min read

'Voice of Hind Rajab' actor to miss Oscars 2026 due to Trump's Palestine travel ban

Motaz Malhees, star of Oscar-nominated 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' cannot attend ceremony due to US ban on Palestinian Authority passports.

"You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice. - Motaz Malhees"

Los Angeles, March 13

Kaouther Ben Hania's docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab is nominated for Best International Feature at Sunday's Oscars. However, one of its stars won't be able to attend the ceremony.

Motaz Malhees, who plays a call center operator desperately trying to help 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab as she's trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, on Thursday shared that he is unable to represent the film at the awards due to US President Donald Trump's travel ban on people with Palestinian Authority passports, as per Variety.

Taking to Instagram, Motaz wrote, "Three days left to the Oscars. Our film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' is nominated for an Academy Award. I had the honor of playing one of the lead roles in a story the world needed to hear. But I will not be there."

He added, "I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship."

Motaz continued, "It hurts. But here is the truth You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice. I am Palestinian, and I stand with pride and dignity. My spirit will be with the 'Voice of Hind Rajab' that night. Good luck to all of you. Our story is bigger than any barrier, and it will be heard."

In December, Trump banned people with Palestinian Authority passports from entering the US alongside those from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Though Malhees will not be present at the Oscars, the film's director Ben Hania, who is Tunisian, should be able to attend.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand security concerns, blanket bans based on nationality are problematic. It punishes individuals for their government's actions. As Indians, we know the value of global cultural exchange. He should be there.
D
David E
Trump's policies are creating unnecessary divisions. The Oscars are a global event. Blocking a nominated actor from attending his own film's nomination is just sad. Hope the film wins and his message is heard loud and clear.
A
Aditya G
His statement gave me chills. "You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice." So powerful. The story of Hind Rajab needs to be told, with or without travel bans. Wishing the team all the best from India.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I have to ask - shouldn't the focus be on the little girl's story and the film's message, rather than the actor's attendance? The ban is unfortunate, but the real tragedy is what happened in Gaza. Let's not lose perspective.
K
Karthik V
It's a shame. The world of cinema is one place where borders should fade. As an Indian film buff, I believe every artist deserves their moment on the global stage. Hope they stream his acceptance speech live if they win!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50