Oscar nomination for Palestinian documentary ‘No Other Land’

The film was directed by a collective of four Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers — activists Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor — and marks their directorial debut. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 January 2025
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Oscar nomination for Palestinian documentary ‘No Other Land’

DUBAI: The Palestinian documentary “No Other Land” has been nominated for the Best Documentary at this year’s Oscars.

The film was directed by a collective of four Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers — activists Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor — and marks their directorial debut.

“No Other Land” follows the story of Adra, a young Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, as he fights against the mass expulsion of his community by Israeli forces. Since childhood, Adra has documented the demolition of homes and displacement of residents in his region under military occupation.

The film also explores his unlikely partnership with Abraham, an Israeli journalist who supports his efforts. However, their alliance is tested by the stark inequality between them — Adra lives under constant occupation, while Abraham enjoys freedom and security.

The film has dominated the pre-Oscar awards circuit, winning major accolades such as the top honor at the Cinema Eye Honors, Best Documentary and Best Director at the IDA Awards, Best European Documentary at the European Film Awards, and Best Documentary at the Berlin Film Festival, where it premiered last February.

This year’s Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 3.


Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

Updated 26 January 2026
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Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair took to Instagram to celebrate her first show of 2026, as she walked the runway at Jacquemus’ Fall/Winter 2026 “Le Palmier” collection show in Paris on Sunday.

The event, staged at the Musee National Picasso, brought Simon Porte Jacquemus’s latest co-ed collection to life with playful yet sculptural silhouettes, blending mid-century couture references and 1990s’ sensibilities.

“Merci infiniment Simon. It was an honor to be part of this iconic show with such an amazing team, congratulations! Thank you for having me,” posted Al-Zuhair.

The model closed a segment of the show in an ensemble that captured the collection’s nod to both elegant simplicity and bold form. She wore a black midi skirt with a structured blazer top with cutout detail at the back, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. The look was completed with a wide-brimmed hat that added a touch of drama.

The Jacquemus presentation, which also acted as the finale of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, wove together confetti-like motifs, geometric forms and a celebration of joie de vivre, encapsulating Jacquemus’s irreverent yet refined vision ahead of the upcoming couture season. The front row seated the likes of Elton John, Sophie Marceau, Josh Hartnett and Korean girl group Illit.

Meanwhile, Al-Zuhair had a strong 2025, ending the year by joining Italian luxury fashion label Bulgari as a “Friend of the House.”

“I am delighted to announce that I have officially joined the Bulgari family as a Friend of the House. Looking forward to sharing more of our journey together — stay tuned!” Al-Zuhair said on social media, alongside a carousel of images.

In one, taken at a Bulgari party, the model shows off a soft pink gown by Lebanese fashion house Georges Hobeika. The event celebrated the Polychroma High Jewelry Collection, which was launched at May’s Met Gala in New York. 

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses. She has walked for Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and more.

In addition to her runway appearances, Al-Zuhair has featured in campaigns for high-profile brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.