Israeli Academy has declared to submit their entry in the 2026 Oscar Academy Awards, giving their official entry to the drama The Sea by Shai Carmeli-Pollak. The movie that narrates the dream of a Palestinian boy of seeing the Mediterranean has already attracted the attention of the world with its tragic anti-war message and political debates about Israeli cinema.
Released earlier this year in the Jerusalem Film Festival, The Sea was met with a great deal of praise and received 13 nominations at the Israeli Film Awards. Its domestic nomination made it stronger as the candidate of the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Oscars.
A Boy’s Journey at the Heart of the Story
The main character of The Sea is Khaled, a 12-year-old Palestinian youth wishing to visit the ocean first. His chance comes at the time when his school arranges a visit to the Mediterranean coast. However, at a military checkpoint, where the bus is taken to, Khaled is questioned and sent back.
Instead of giving up his dream, Khaled embarks on a one-man trip to Tel Aviv. He is completely unaware of the path and he is unable to speak Hebrew but he carries on with a wish that is both individual and allegorical. The emotional heart of the movie is his strength and innocence and has been called by critics as an emotional journey of freedom, strength and human price of war.
Industry Debate and Oscar Prospects
The choice of the film is made at the time of increased tension in the global film society. Film Workers, a pledge, which was signed by over 1300 industry personalities including renowned actors and directors, recommends a boycott of Israeli cultural institutions. The proponents of the pledge claim that these institutions are involved in government policies, and the Israeli film leaders have retaliated by terming the boycott move as unfair and counterproductive.
The Sea will now vie against an enviable position on the Oscars short list despite the debate that surrounds it. With 10 nominations in the International Feature category (the last nomination being with Footnote in 2011), Israel has not won.
In December 2025, the shortlist will be announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, then the final nominations will be in January 2026. The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, and The Sea may be one of the hottest foreign nominations of the season.
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