Israel Selects ‘The Sea’ as Contender for 2026 Oscars
The Israeli Academy of Film and Television has nominated The Sea, directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak, as Israel’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature category. The film tells the poignant story of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy named Khaled, who embarks on a perilous journey to visit the beach in Tel Aviv for the first time. His adventure begins on a school trip, but when he is turned away at a military checkpoint, he decides to venture out alone, facing numerous challenges, including language barriers.
This drama, which premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival, has garnered significant acclaim, securing 13 nominations at the Israeli Film Awards, including Best Film. The recognition highlights the film’s impactful narrative centered on anti-war themes. As it competes for the prestigious Oscar, there is keen interest in how it will resonate with voters from the U.S. Academy.
The submission of The Sea arrives during a contentious time, as there are growing calls to boycott Israeli film institutions. Critics argue that these institutions are complicit in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Recently, more than 1,300 filmmakers and industry professionals, including notable figures such as Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, and Tilda Swinton, signed a pledge initiated by the activist group Film Workers for Palestine to support this boycott. In response, leaders within the Israeli film industry have characterized the boycott as “misguided and self-defeating,” emphasizing the artistic merit of works produced in Israel.
Israel has a notable history at the Oscars, with 10 nominations in the Best International Feature category, although it has yet to secure a win. The last Israeli film to receive an Oscar nomination was Joseph Cedar’s Footnote in 2011. In contrast, the Israeli-Palestinian co-production No Other Land won the Oscar for Best Documentary in this past awards cycle.
The Academy will announce the first shortlist of 15 films eligible for the 2026 Best International Feature Oscar on December 16, 2025. The final nominations will follow on January 22, 2026, leading up to the 98th Academy Awards Ceremony, scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. As The Sea makes its way through this competitive landscape, all eyes will be on how its powerful message is received both locally and internationally.
