600 Oscar Voters Criticize Academy’s Response to Hamdan Ballal Attack

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is facing criticism for its response to the assault and detention of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal by Israeli settlers and military forces. Ballal, who recently won an Oscar for the documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked in his village of Susiya, West Bank. The Academy's statement, which did not name Ballal, emphasized respecting 'unique viewpoints' among its global membership, a stance that drew backlash from various filmmakers, including co-director Yuval Abraham. Critics highlighted the Academy's past strong condemnations of similar incidents, such as the detention of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. An open letter signed by approximately 600 Oscar voters, including high-profile actors and directors, condemned the Academy's lack of support for Ballal. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within the Academy regarding its role in addressing political and social issues affecting its members.