Israel Submits Anti-War Film The Sea for 2026 Oscars

The Israeli Academy has selected its official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards. The chosen film is Shai Carmeli-Pollak’s drama, The Sea. It tells the story of a Palestinian boy’s journey to see the ocean. The selection comes amid a global industry debate on Israeli cinema.

The film premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival. It later earned 13 nominations at the Israeli Film Awards. Its submission for the Best International Feature Oscar is now official.

Film’s Narrative and Oscar Contention

The Sea follows a 12-year-old Palestinian boy named Khaled. He dreams of seeing the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. A school trip offers his chance, but he is turned back at a military checkpoint.

Undeterred, Khaled embarks on a solo journey to Tel Aviv. He does not know the way and speaks no Hebrew. His poignant quest forms the heart of the anti-war narrative.

Submission Amid Industry Controversy

This submission is not without context. It arrives during calls to boycott Israeli cultural institutions. A recent pledge from Film Workers for Palestine gained significant support. Over 1,300 industry figures signed it, including major stars.

According to Reuters, the pledge accuses Israeli institutions of complicity. Israeli film leaders have criticized the proposed boycott. They call it misguided and ultimately counterproductive.

The film will now compete for a nomination. Israel has a strong Oscars history with ten previous nominations. The last nomination was for Footnote in 2011.

The Academy will announce its shortlist in December 2025. Final nominations follow in January 2026. The 98th Oscars ceremony is set for March 15, 2026.

The selection of The Sea underscores a complex moment for global cinema, placing a human story at the center of a fierce international debate. Its Oscar journey will be closely watched around the world.

Info at your fingertips

What is the movie The Sea about?

The Sea is a drama about a young Palestinian boy. He risks everything on a solitary trip to see the beach in Tel Aviv for the first time. The film explores themes of innocence and division.

Why is Israel’s Oscar submission controversial?

Some groups are calling for a boycott of Israeli films. They cite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Many prominent actors and directors have signed petitions supporting this cultural boycott.

Has Israel won an Oscar before?

Israel has never won the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The country has received ten nominations in the category. The documentary No Other Land, an Israeli-Palestinian co-production, won an Oscar this year.

When will the 2026 Oscar nominations be announced?

The Academy will reveal the shortlist on December 16, 2025. The final nominations for all categories are scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026.

Where did The Sea premiere?

The film had its premiere at the Jerusalem Film Festival. It was also a major contender at the Israeli Film Awards, Israel’s most prestigious national film ceremony.

Trusted Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, BBC News.