“The Academy condemns harming or suppressing artists for their work or their viewpoints. We are living in a time of profound change, marked by conflict and uncertainty — across the globe, in the U.S. and within our own industry. Understandably, we are often asked to speak on behalf of the Academy in response to social, political and economic events. In these instances, it is important to note that the Academy represents close to 11,000 global members with many unique viewpoints,” read the statement.
The Palestinian Oscar winner was released by Israeli authorities on Tuesday. As per the reports, he was one of three Palestinians detained in the village of Susiya on suspicion of throwing stones and causing property damage, which he denies. “I didn’t throw stones, I didn’t do any problems with the settlers. The settlers came attacking me and beating me. That’s it,” ABC News quoted Bilal as saying.His co-director Yuval Abraham on Wednesday criticised the Academy for not speaking out about the attack. In an X post, he said, “Sadly, the U.S. Academy, which awarded us an Oscar three weeks ago, declined to publicly support Hamdan Ballal while he was beaten and tortured by Israeli soldiers and settlers.”
Sadly, the US Academy, which awarded us an Oscar three weeks ago, declined to publicly support Hamdan Ballal while he was beaten and tortured by Israeli soldiers and settlers.
The European Academy voiced support, as did countless other award groups and festivals. Several US…- Yuval Abraham Yuval Abraham (@yuval_abraham) March 26, 2025
“The European Academy voiced support, as did countless other award groups and festivals. Several U.S. Academy members — especially in the documentary branch — pushed for a statement, but it was ultimately refused. We were told that because other Palestinians were beaten up in the settler attack, it could be considered unrelated to the film, so they felt no need to respond,” he added.
Several figures from the film community and the awards body expressed their disapproval over the Academy’s statement. Taking to Facebook, documentary branch member AJ Schnack called it “bad in ways that boggles the mind.” He said, “I am shocked and angry that you are now letting us, your members, know that you view the abduction and beating of a recent honoree as something that members will have ‘many unique viewpoints’ of. With respect, it’s a truly heinous suggestion.”
Member Kathleen McInnis also expressed disappointment, saying, “I am deeply disappointed in the leadership choices, actually the lack of leadership regarding their choices, from an institution I have been so proud to be a part of … Journalists, filmmakers, those who shine bright lights on the darkest corners of humanity need protection and support, not watered down words. Too little, too late, Academy.”
Abraham also reacted to the statement and said that they explained “their silence on Hamdan’s assault” with the “need to respect ‘unique viewpoints.’” He further said that they have a “rightfully strong position when it’s the Iranian government oppressing filmmakers.”
The International Documentary Association and several film critics’ groups have released statements supporting Ballal and condemning the violence against him. A petition calling for Ballal’s release garnered thousands of signatures, including those of notable filmmakers like Ava DuVernay and Alex Gibney.
“No Other Land” won the best documentary Oscar earlier this month and was made by an Israeli-Palestinian collective including Abraham, Ballal, Basel Adra and Rachel Szor. The documentary revolves around a Palestinian family living in the West Bank as their home is destroyed by the Israeli government and they are forced to relocate.
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