Academy Awards 2025: Is No Other Land Poised to Win Best Documentary Feature?

In the crucible of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a powerful cinematic voice has emerged, vying for recognition at the 97th Academy Awards: No Other Land. This Palestinian-Israeli co-production, a collaborative work by four first-time directors, delves into the heart of the ongoing struggle, offering a raw and intimate perspective rarely seen on the international stage. Its journey to the Oscars has been marked by both critical acclaim and significant controversy, raising the question: does No Other Land have what it takes to secure the coveted award?

A Story of Resistance and Friendship

No Other Land chronicles the struggle of Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist fighting against the displacement of his community. The film, a collaborative effort by a Palestinian-Israeli four first-time directors, offers a deeply personal perspective on the ongoing conflict, capturing the demolition of homes and the eviction of families by the Israeli military. The narrative is further enriched by the complex relationship between Basel and Yuval, a Jewish Israeli journalist who joins his fight. Their bond, forged in activism, highlights the human cost of the conflict while navigating the stark realities of their disparate lives.

From Berlin to Hollywood

The film’s journey began at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024, where it premiered in the Panorama section and won both the Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary Film and the prestigious Berlinale Documentary Award. This initial success was followed by screenings at numerous international film festivals, including Copenhagen, Sydney, Toronto, Busan, and New York. However, its planned South Asia premiere at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival was cancelled due to unresolved permission issues.

The film’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Rotten Tomatoes boasts a 100% rating from 57 critics, while Metacritic assigned a score of 90 out of 100, indicating “universal acclaim.” Critics have praised the film’s intimate portrayal of the Palestinian experience, its powerful assembly of footage, and its glimmer of hope for a better future.

Will the film go on to win an Oscar? Over at 22bet21.com, the odds are listed at 1.25/1 or 80%, suggesting it is in with a good chance.

However, the film’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. The directors’ acceptance speeches at the Berlinale, which criticized Israeli policies and called for an end to arms sales to Israel, sparked outrage among some German politicians and led to accusations of antisemitism. This controversy, while potentially damaging, also brought increased visibility to the film and its message.

The Oscar Race

No Other Land faces stiff competition in the Best Documentary Feature category. The other nominees, Black Box Diaries, Porcelain War, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, and Sugarcane, all tackle compelling subjects and have received their own share of critical praise and awards recognition.

Black Box Diaries follows a sexual assault investigation in Japan, Porcelain War documents the experiences of Ukrainian artists during the Russian occupation, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat explores a Cold War incident involving American musicians protesting the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, and Sugarcane investigates the Canadian Indian residential school system.

Each of these films presents a powerful and important story, making the Oscar race particularly tight this year. While No Other Land has garnered significant attention and acclaim, its controversial nature could impact its chances with Academy voters.