Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees blocked from Oscars by Trump travel ban
Star of Oscar-nominated film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' barred from attending ceremony due to US entry restrictions.
Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has publicly stated that he is unable to attend the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony due to a United States travel ban. Malhees plays a starring role in 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', a film nominated for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The film tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in 2024. On Instagram, Malhees confirmed, 'I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship,' expressing his disappointment at missing the event.
The travel restriction originates from a December proclamation by the administration of former President Donald Trump, which fully restricted the entry of individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. This policy, enacted before the 2026 Oscars, specifically bars holders of such passports from entering the US. The situation highlights the intersection of international politics, cultural recognition, and individual artists' mobility, placing a personal narrative within a broader geopolitical context as the film competes for Hollywood's highest honor.
- Actor Motaz Malhees barred from US entry for the 2026 Oscars due to his Palestinian citizenship.
- He stars in 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', nominated for Best International Feature Film.
- The ban stems from a Trump-era proclamation restricting entry for holders of Palestinian Authority documents.
Why It Matters
Highlights how geopolitical policies directly impact cultural exchange and artists' ability to participate in global events.