Palestinian actor says he can’t attend Oscars because of US travel ban

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees is unable to attend the Academy Awards on Sunday due to a US travel ban. Malhees stars in "The Voice of Hind Rajab," a film nominated for best international feature film, which tells the story of a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in 2024. The travel ban, implemented under a proclamation by Donald Trump in December restricting entry for individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, went into effect January 1. Malhees stated on Instagram that his Palestinian citizenship prevents him from entering the United States. The film depicts the events surrounding the death of Hind Rajab and several family members, along with two paramedics.

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees is unable to attend the Academy Awards on Sunday due to a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration. Malhees stars in "The Voice of Hind Rajab," a film nominated for best international feature film, which tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. Malhees plays a call center operator in the movie. He stated on Instagram that his Palestinian citizenship is the reason he is barred from entering the United States. A December proclamation by Trump restricts entry of individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.