The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faces criticism for its vague response to the assault and detention of Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal. Despite awarding No Other Land an Oscar, the Academy failed to directly condemn Ballal’s treatment, issuing a general statement on artistic freedom instead.
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Co-director Yuval Abraham and over 190 Academy members, including Mark Ruffalo, denounced the inaction, calling it blatant hypocrisy. Many argue the Academy’s selective advocacy weakens its stance on justice. Ballal’s release followed global pressure, but the controversy highlights ongoing double standards in Hollywood’s political engagement.
