No Other Land is a documentary about the destruction of Palestinian land in the West Bank, directed by a mix of Palestinian and Israeli activists, Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham.
Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, winners of the Best Documentary Feature Film for No Other Land
Despite limited theater releases and the inability to find U.S. distributors, the documentary won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film.
Yuval Abraham (R) and Palestinian journalist and filmmaker Basel Adra accept the award for Best Documentary Feature for “No Other Land”
Adra called out the conflict in Palestine and said the film “reflects the harsh reality we have been enduring for decades.”
Four people stand on stage at an awards ceremony. One speaks into a microphone, while another holds a trophy. They are dressed in formal attire
Abraham also called out the United States, saying, “There is a different path, a political solution, without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people. And I have to say, as I’m here, the foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path.”
Person in a suit and bowtie speaking at a microphone during an event
Abraham added, “Can’t you see that we are intertwined? That my people can be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free and safe.”
Two individuals on stage at an award event, one speaks into a microphone. Several people stand in the background
Reactions to the win online were largely positive, expressing excitement about Palestine’s presence at the show.
A man in a suit sits at a table gesturing with a fist. The tweet mentions Oscars and American foreign policy
A person joyfully dances indoors, while others watch and smile in the background. Text above celebrates a Palestinian director’s Oscar win
Text message advocating for Palestinian rights and calling US involvement brave, ending with “Free Palestine” and a flag emoji
But people were quick to notice that there were folks in the audience who did not stand or clap when the win was announced.
Tweet by user commenting negatively on those not applauding “No Other Land.”
Person looking at the camera with a confident expression, wearing hoop earrings. Text expresses noticing audience reactions at the Oscars. #TheOscars
Man in a black shirt and tie holding a notepad and pen, looking thoughtful. Text above reads “Seeing which celebs didn’t stand for the No Other Land win.”
You can watch it for yourself here.
However, when the win was announced, there were still a number of attendees in the audience who stood and clapped for the film, notably Guy Pearce who shook the winners’ hands and who was also seen wearing a pin that said, “Free Palestine.”
Guy Pearce wearing a tuxedo with bow tie and glasses, standing on a red carpet
Regardless of the…interesting…audience reaction, congratulations on your win No Other Land!
Group of people posing at an event, some wearing traditional scarves. The setting suggests a formal occasion
Check out the rest of our Oscars coverage here.
