Israeli Film Academy Awards Honor Daine, Tako Amid Government Jabs

The Israeli film industry gathered for the 2026 Ophir Awards, celebrating the year's cinematic achievements. The ceremony, hosted by Shani Cohen and Adam Gabay, began with a pointed jab at government representatives. The hosts announced they would show a video of all government officials who wished to attend, only for the screen to remain blank, prompting a joke about no one showing up.

Moshe Rosenthal's "Independence" led the nominations with 16 nods, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Asi Cohen was nominated for Best Actor, and Keren Tzur for Best Actress.

Veteran actress Tzipi Dayan won Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Farewell to Dough." In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the late actor Ilan Dar, her co-star in the film, saying they had become like family.

Ido Tako secured the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in "Where To." Tako had a double chance of winning, as he was also nominated for his role in "Independence."

The Best Feature Film award saw six contenders: "Our Loves," "The Jester," "Going Home!", "Where To," "Mama," and "Independence." The winner of this category will represent Israel in the Best International Feature Film competition at the Oscars, provided it meets Academy eligibility rules.

Other nominees included Avi Nesher for Best Director for "Our Loves," and Avraham Shalom Levi for Best Actor for "Farewell to Dough."