Gulf War casts shadow over Oscars 2026 as Iran and Israel score 4 nominations

As the 98th Academy Awards approaches, the shadow of the ongoing Gulf War looms large, marking the 16th day of conflict and rattling the film industry's glittering hub—the Oscars. In a few hours, the red carpet will shine with A-list celebrities, while many in the industry continue to speak out against the devastating war that has claimed nearly 2,000 lives across Iran, Israel, and neighbouring nations such as the UAE, Lebanon, and beyond.

This year's Oscars carry an even more poignant significance with four films vying for gold in key categories—two from Iran and two from Israel.

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Despite the war, the Oscars offer a rare moment where voices from both sides of the conflict are heard, with their works on the global stage and the potential to make a statement.

Iranian Films at the 98th Academy Awards

It Was Just an Accident – Best International Feature & Best Original Screenplay Nominee

Iranian director Jafar Panahi's gripping film "It Was Just an Accident" has garnered international recognition and two nominations at the 2026 Oscars: Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay. This searing moral thriller, which Panahi filmed in secret, draws from his own experiences in Tehran's Evin Prison, where he has faced multiple imprisonments for his dissent against the Iranian government.

The film’s success represents a bittersweet milestone for Panahi, as it comes at a time when Iran is embroiled in war and internal unrest. Already a Palme d'Or winner at Cannes, "It Was Just an Accident" tells the story of a revenge-fueled road trip that packs a socio-political punch. The film’s triumph could be a major victory for Iranian cinema, potentially claiming Iran’s third win in the Best International Film category, following previous successes from Asghar Farhadi with "A Separation" (2012) and "The Salesman" (2017).

Cutting Through Rocks – Best Documentary Feature Nominee

Directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki, "Cutting Through Rocks" has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature. This poignant documentary, which won the Grand Jury Award for World Cinema at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, tells the inspiring story of Sara Shahverdi, the first elected councilwoman of a rural Iranian village. The film follows Shahverdi's courageous fight to empower girls by teaching them how to ride motorcycles and preventing child marriages, all while confronting deep-seated patriarchal opposition.

With its focus on activism and women's rights, "Cutting Through Rocks" is a powerful testament to resilience and hope, set against the backdrop of Iran's tumultuous socio-political landscape. The film marks a historic moment as the first Iranian documentary to ever receive an Oscar nomination.

Israeli Films at the 98th Academy Awards

Children No More: "Were and Are Gone" – Best Documentary Short Nominee

In stark contrast, Israeli filmmaker Hilla Medalia’s "Children No More: 'Were and Are Gone'" is nominated for Best Documentary Short. This observational short chronicles a vigil in Tel Aviv where protestors quietly hold up photos of children killed in Gaza, following Israeli strikes on Hamas militants. The film, capturing a painful moment of introspection, dares to open hearts to the innocent lives lost in the ongoing conflict, particularly the 20,000 children killed in Gaza since the war’s onset.

"Children No More" aims to stir compassion and reflection within Israeli society, raising the uncomfortable question of the toll of war, especially on the most vulnerable—children. As tensions rise in the Gulf, the film stands as a plea for humanity amidst the political chaos.

Butcher's Stain – Best Live Action Short Nominee

Meyer Levinson-Blount’s "Butcher’s Stain" has been nominated for Best Live Action Short. The film follows Samir, a Palestinian butcher working in an Israeli supermarket. When Samir is wrongfully accused of tearing down Israeli hostage posters in the break room, he embarks on a journey to clear his name and keep his job. The film, which stars Levinson-Blount alongside Omar Samir, explores themes of identity, justice, and the personal cost of conflict.

"Butcher’s Stain" is a subtle but powerful exploration of the individual experiences caught in the web of national and ideological battles, showing how ordinary lives can be shattered by political tensions. Its nomination reflects a growing trend of films from Israel that seek to humanise the often polarising narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Oscar’s Unlikely Intersection with the Gulf War

With two Iranian films and two Israeli films competing at the same time, the Oscars 2026 are more than just a celebration of cinematic excellence—they've become an unexpected battleground for larger geopolitical issues.

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In a year marked by violence and uncertainty, these films represent a way for filmmakers and artists to address the ongoing suffering, challenging their audiences to confront the human costs of war, loss, and resistance.