The 98th Academy Awards are just days away, but one of the year’s most talked-about stars won’t be walking the red carpet. Motaz Malhees, the lead actor in the Best International Feature nominee The Voice of Hind Rajab, announced on Instagram that he has been barred from entering the United States. Malhees confirmed that his Palestinian citizenship and travel documents fall under a U.S. travel ban issued by the Trump administration this past December.

In his social media post, Malhees expressed his disappointment at missing the ceremony, which is scheduled for Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The actor noted that the restriction specifically targets individuals carrying Palestinian Authority travel documents. Despite efforts from the film's production team to secure a waiver, Malhees remains unable to join his colleagues for the high-profile event.

The Voice of Hind Rajab has become a heavy favorite this awards season, telling the devastating true story of a five-year-old girl killed in Gaza in 2024. The film has drawn international acclaim for its portrayal of the conflict, making Malhees' absence a significant talking point for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While Malhees will be missing from the front row, his performance continues to resonate with voters and audiences alike.