Spain first of Eurovision ‘big five’ to say it will boycott event if Israel participates

At the recent Ophir Awards in Tel Aviv, Shai Carmeli-Pollak's film 'The Sea' took home the Best Film award amidst a backdrop of somber reflections on the ongoing military situation in Gaza. The ceremony was marked by attendees dressed in black, highlighting the gravity of the current events in Israel. This recognition for 'The Sea,' which tells the story of a Palestinian boy, underscores the importance of storytelling in times of conflict and the role of cinema in addressing complex social issues.

At the recent Ophir Awards in Tel Aviv, Shai Carmeli-Pollak's film 'The Sea' took home the Best Film award amidst a backdrop of somber reflections on the ongoing military situation in Gaza. The ceremony was marked by attendees dressed in black, highlighting the gravity of the current events in Israel. This recognition for 'The Sea,' which tells the story of a Palestinian boy, underscores the importance of storytelling in times of conflict and the role of cinema in addressing complex social issues.

Israel has selected the Arabic-language film 'The Sea' for the Oscars International Feature category, highlighting a poignant story about a Palestinian teenager's first trip to the beach in Tel Aviv. Directed by Shai Carmeli Pollak and produced by Baher Agbariya, this film not only showcases the talent within the region but also brings attention to the experiences of Palestinian youth. Its selection is significant as it represents a step towards greater inclusivity in cinema and offers a platform for underrepresented voices on an international stage.

Israel has selected the Arabic-language film 'The Sea' for the Oscars International Feature category, highlighting a poignant story about a Palestinian teenager's first trip to the beach in Tel Aviv. Directed by Shai Carmeli Pollak and produced by Baher Agbariya, this film not only showcases the talent within the region but also brings attention to the experiences of Palestinian youth. Its selection is significant as it represents a step towards greater inclusivity in cinema and offers a platform for underrepresented voices on an international stage.

Israel has selected 'The Sea', directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak, as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. The film, which tells the story of a Palestinian boy, won Best Film at the Ophir Awards.

Editor’s Note: This selection is significant as it highlights Israel's cinematic contributions and the importance of diverse narratives in international film. 'The Sea' represents a unique perspective that could resonate with audiences and voters at the Academy Awards.

Israel has selected 'The Sea', directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak, as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. The film, which tells the story of a Palestinian boy, won Best Film at the Ophir Awards.

Editor’s Note: This selection is significant as it highlights Israel's cinematic contributions and the importance of diverse narratives in international film. 'The Sea' represents a unique perspective that could resonate with audiences and voters at the Academy Awards.

The review of 'While Israel Slept' highlights the missed warnings leading up to the October 7, 2023, events in Gaza, suggesting that Israel ignored critical signs of impending danger.

Editor’s Note: This matters because it raises questions about national security and the consequences of ignoring warning signs, which could have significant implications for Israel and the region.

The review of 'While Israel Slept' highlights the missed warnings leading up to the October 7, 2023, events in Gaza, suggesting that Israel ignored critical signs of impending danger.

Editor’s Note: This matters because it raises questions about national security and the consequences of ignoring warning signs, which could have significant implications for Israel and the region.

Shari Redstone has joined the Israeli production company Sipur as chair, seizing a unique opportunity despite her recent sale of Paramount Global to Skydance Media.

Editor’s Note: This move highlights the growing influence of Israeli media and the potential for international collaboration in the entertainment industry. Redstone's involvement could bring significant resources and expertise to Sipur, enhancing its growth prospects.

Shari Redstone has joined the Israeli production company Sipur as chair, seizing a unique opportunity despite her recent sale of Paramount Global to Skydance Media.

Editor’s Note: This move highlights the growing influence of Israeli media and the potential for international collaboration in the entertainment industry. Redstone's involvement could bring significant resources and expertise to Sipur, enhancing its growth prospects.

Spain has joined four other countries in threatening to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete. The decision was made by Spanish broadcaster RTVE's board, led by president Jose Pablo Lopez.

Editor’s Note: This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Israel's participation in international events. Spain's stance may influence other countries' decisions and reflects broader political sentiments in Europe.

Spain has joined four other countries in threatening to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete. The decision was made by Spanish broadcaster RTVE's board, led by president Jose Pablo Lopez.

Editor’s Note: This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Israel's participation in international events. Spain's stance may influence other countries' decisions and reflects broader political sentiments in Europe.

Amy Poehler recently voiced her frustration on her podcast about the Oscars consistently overlooking comedy films for awards. In a lively discussion with guest Olivia Colman, who is promoting her new comedy 'The Roses,' Poehler emphasized the challenges of comedy and the need for recognition in the film industry. This conversation highlights an ongoing debate about the value of comedic performances in a landscape often dominated by dramatic roles, making it a significant moment for both fans and creators of comedy.

Elle Fanning recently opened up about her relationship with Gus Wenner, the executive chairman of Rolling Stone magazine, highlighting the strong bond she shares with him and her sister Dakota Fanning. This insight into their personal lives not only showcases the warmth of their family dynamics but also gives fans a glimpse into the joys of celebrity relationships, making it relatable and engaging for audiences.

Molly Qerim is leaving her role as the host of ESPN's First Take after a decade, marking the end of an era for the popular sports talk show. Since joining in 2015, she has become a beloved figure in sports media, known for her engaging style and insightful commentary. Her departure is significant not only for fans of the show but also for the broader sports community, as it highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and the impact of individual personalities on viewer engagement.

The PBS presentation 'NOVA: Human' takes viewers on a fascinating journey through 300,000 years of Homo sapiens history. This exploration not only highlights our species' evolution but also sheds light on the significant milestones that have shaped humanity. Understanding our past is crucial as it helps us appreciate the complexities of our present and future, making this documentary a valuable resource for anyone interested in the story of humankind.

Netflix's latest report shows that the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford has topped its weekly TV list with an impressive 17.7 million views. This achievement highlights the growing popularity of live sports on streaming platforms. Additionally, the second season of 'Wednesday' has made its mark by entering Netflix's most popular list, showcasing the platform's diverse content appeal. The success of both the fight and the series reflects a significant trend in viewer preferences, making it an exciting time for entertainment.

Lionsgate's upcoming film 'The Housemaid,' based on Freida McFadden's popular novel, is set to hit theaters in 2025. Initially scheduled to compete with Timothée Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme,' it will now face off against the highly anticipated 'Avatar: Fire & Ash.' This adaptation is significant as it highlights the ongoing trend of turning best-selling books into films, and fans are eager to see how the story translates to the big screen.