The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued an apology following widespread criticism for failing to mention Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal in its initial statement regarding his detainment by Israeli forces. The revised statement, released on Friday, explicitly acknowledges Ballal and his Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.
Academy Acknowledges Mistake in Initial Statement
Earlier in the week, the Academy had issued a statement condemning violence against artists but did not mention Ballal by name, sparking outrage among its members. The follow-up statement sought to rectify this omission:
On Wednesday, we sent a letter in response to reports of violence against Oscar winner Hamdan Ballal, co-director of No Other Land, connected to his artistic expression. We regret that we failed to directly acknowledge Mr. Ballal and the film by name. We sincerely apologize to Mr. Ballal and all artists who felt unsupported by our previous statement and want to make it clear that the Academy condemns violence of this kind anywhere in the world. We abhor the suppression of free speech under any circumstances.
The letter was signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting artists worldwide.
Emergency Meeting and Member Backlash
The Academy’s delay in naming Ballal led to significant backlash from its 11,000 members. A letter condemning the Academy’s silence quickly gained traction, with over 800 members signing, including high-profile names such as actors Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, Joaquin Phoenix, Riz Ahmed, Penélope Cruz, Emma Thompson, and directors Ava DuVernay and Alfonso Cuarón. The statement called the Academy’s initial response inadequate and urged stronger support for artists facing political persecution.
The Academy’s Board of Governors held an emergency meeting on Friday morning to address the issue, ultimately deciding to release the revised statement acknowledging Ballal.
Ballal’s Detainment and Allegations
Hamdan Ballal was reportedly detained earlier this week following an attack by Israeli settlers near his home in the West Bank village of Susiya. Witnesses claimed that he was assaulted and later taken by Israeli soldiers from an ambulance. Ballal described his experience from a hospital bed, stating:
“They continue attacking me for 15–20 minutes. I bleed from everywhere… I feel pain in every part of my body.”
He also alleged that soldiers mocked him about his Oscar win while he was held blindfolded for 24 hours at an Israeli army base before his release.
Global Support for Ballal and No Other Land
Ballal’s detainment has drawn condemnation from international film organizations, including the European Film Academy and the International Documentary Association. His No Other Land co-director, Yuval Abraham, expressed disappointment with the Academy’s delayed response, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that efforts to push for a stronger statement within the documentary branch had initially been unsuccessful.
The Oscar-winning documentary, directed by Ballal, Abraham, Basel Adra, and Rachel Szor, highlights the struggles of a Palestinian community facing displacement in the West Bank. The film premiered at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, winning both the documentary jury prize and the audience award. Despite critical acclaim, it faced distribution challenges in the U.S. and was ultimately self-released.
Moving Forward
The Academy’s revised statement represents a step toward acknowledging the concerns of its members and the global film community. However, the backlash underscores the increasing pressure on Hollywood institutions to take clear stances on political and human rights issues.
As the situation unfolds, the Academy’s response will likely remain a topic of discussion among filmmakers, activists, and audiences advocating for artistic freedom and human rights.
