International Film Selection: Israel Chooses 'The Sea' for Best International Feature Film Oscar Submission
The Israeli Film and Television Academy has chosen the anti-war drama "The Sea" as its entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. This co-production with Palestine, directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak, has already made waves in Israel, receiving 13 nominations, including best film, at the Israeli Film Awards.
At the heart of "The Sea" is a 12-year-old Palestinian boy named Khaled, portrayed by a newcomer actor. Khaled embarks on a life-risking journey to visit the beach in Tel Aviv for the first time, despite not knowing the way or speaking any Hebrew. The film is set in the bustling city of Tel Aviv and premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival.
"The Sea" is an anti-war drama that has been praised for its poignant narrative and powerful performances. It is a timely and thought-provoking film that tackles complex issues head-on.
However, the film's submission to the Oscars has been met with controversy. A pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions was signed by over 1,300 filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, including notable names like Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Emma Stone, Ava DuVernay, and others. The boycott was put forward by activist group Film Workers for Palestine.
Israel's industry leaders have criticized the boycott as "misguided and self-defeating." Israel has been among the most-nominated nations at the Oscars, with 10 nominations to date in the best international feature category. The last Israeli film submitted for Oscar contention to secure a nomination was Joseph Cedar's "Footnote" in 2011. No Other Land, an Israeli-Palestinian co-production, is the most recent Israeli film to win an Oscar, taking home the award for best documentary this year.
The Academy will announce the first shortlist of 15 films in contention for the 2026 best international feature Oscar on Dec. 16, 2025. The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, 2026, and the 98th Academy Awards Ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.
Regardless of the outcome, "The Sea" is already making a significant impact, sparking important conversations and showcasing the power of film to bridge divides and foster understanding.
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