After announcing he would cut funding to the Israeli Academy of Film and Television following the victory of the movie The Sea—which he described as “pro-Palestinian”—at the Ophir Awards, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar declared the launch of “the Israeli State Oscars” to honor outstanding Israeli filmmakers and films. The move is part of his broader reform plan for Israel’s film industry.
According to the announcement, the new ceremony is meant to “provide a worthy stage for quality Israeli creation that represents the spirit and values of Israeli society, thereby strengthening the local film industry and encouraging excellence in the field.” The ministry also said the event would serve as “a state-backed alternative to the Ophir Awards of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, which in recent years has not represented Israeli society or most of its citizens, but has instead given a platform to extreme and fringe voices that damage Israel’s social fabric.”
It is not yet clear whether the ministry has received permission to use the name “Oscars.” Both that term and “Academy Awards” are trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and are protected by copyright, requiring written authorization for use.
The Israeli State Oscars will be overseen by a panel of professional judges, with winners chosen by majority vote. Cash prizes of 100,000 shekels (about $26,000) will be given in major categories including best feature film, best documentary, best animated or short film, best director, best actor and best actress.
Zohar said: “Unfortunately, in recent years the Ophir Awards have turned into a platform that sanctifies foreign narratives disconnected from the people, with clear statements against the State of Israel and against IDF soldiers, and a tool for political attacks. That is why I decided to stop funding, with taxpayers’ money, a ceremony that represents a narrow group and spits in the faces of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. Instead, we will establish the Israeli State Oscars, an official ceremony that will reflect Israel’s diverse cultural and cinematic creativity, and honor those whose works strengthen the spirit of the nation and our unity.”
The announcement followed the win of The Sea at the Ophir Awards the previous night. The victory grants the film the right to represent Israel at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Zohar called the movie “pro-Palestinian” and said its selection “angered many Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.” He added that starting with the 2026 budget, “this disgraceful ceremony will no longer be funded by taxpayers.”