Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees will be unable to attend the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in 2026, where the film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' is nominated. The actor, based in the West Bank, cited significant travel restrictions and visa complications as the primary reasons for his absence.
While a specific 'Trump travel ban' is not currently active as of March 2026, stringent U.S. visa policies and security protocols continue to pose major hurdles for Palestinian travelers. The U.S. State Department maintains complex visa requirements for residents of the West Bank and Gaza, often resulting in lengthy processing times and high rates of denial.
'The Voice of Hind Rajab' has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category. The film's director and other crew members are expected to represent the project at the ceremony. Malhees expressed his disappointment but stated his support for the team attending in Los Angeles.
