Veteran Israeli Actress Livna Finkelshtein to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

The Israeli Film and Television Academy announced Sunday that veteran actress Livna Finkelshtein will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2026 Ophir Awards ceremony, scheduled for September 9. The Academy cited Finkelshtein's long, prolific, and diverse career, noting her consistent presence in Israeli cinema and theater for decades.

Finkelshtein rose to prominence at age 21 in 1969, starring in Menahem Golan's hit film "My Margo." She later became a regular collaborator with director Shmi Zarhin, appearing in films such as "Aviva My Love," "The World is Funny," and "Hamda." Her performance in "A Tale of a Great Love" earned her an Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actress, and she delivered memorable roles in "The Farewell Party" and "Cat and Dog," demonstrating her versatility in both dramatic and comedic performances. The Academy highlighted her wordless role in "The Silence" as showcasing Chaplin-esque miming abilities.

Born in Bulgaria in 1947, Finkelshtein began her acting career in Israel in the late 1960s after graduating from Beit Zvi acting school. She was a founding member of the IDF Theater and has appeared in numerous films, including "I Love You Rosa" and "Salomonico." After a hiatus, she returned to cinema in 1989 and has since worked consistently in film, while also performing in major repertory theaters like Habima, Cameri, and Beit Lessin.

Finkelshtein has received multiple awards throughout her career, including the Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2009, Best Actress at the Haifa Film Festival in 2014 for "The Farewell Party," and Best Actress at the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2001 for "Mother and I." Beyond acting, Finkelshtein is also a sculptor, with her bronze works exhibited in Israel and Bulgaria, including a public sculpture at the Bulgarian Embassy honoring the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust.

In response to the award, Finkelshtein expressed deep emotion and emphasized the importance of culture and art in uplifting spirits, especially during difficult times. She reflected on her experience as an immigrant from Bulgaria and her portrayal of a wide range of Israeli women, stressing the interconnectedness of Israeli society and the need to honor its culture.