Independence Dominates Ophir Awards, Securing Best Film and 10 Honors

The Israeli film "Independence" was the big winner at the 2026 Ophir Awards, taking home ten accolades including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Directed by Moshe Rosenthal, the drama will represent Israel in the upcoming Academy Awards' International Feature Film category. Rosenthal also won for Best Director and Best Screenplay for the film.

A surprise occurred in the Best Actor category, with Ihab Sallam winning for his role in "Where Did You Go, Levin?" Sallam used his acceptance speech to call for an end to wars. Asif Cohen, a strong contender for his role in "Independence," did not win in this category.

In the Best Actress category, Evgenia Dodina won for her performance in "Mama," the debut film by Or Sinai. The film tells the story of a woman who returns to Poland after years of managing a household in Caesarea to support her family. Other acting awards included Tikki Dayan for Best Supporting Actress in "Farewell to Dough," and Idan Takko for Best Supporting Actor, also for "Where Did You Go, Levin?" Takko shared the award with himself, having been nominated twice in the same category.

Levana Finkelstein, a veteran actress with decades of experience, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Finkelstein, who immigrated from Bulgaria as a child, spoke about her early fascination with the stage, dating back to age two. The ceremony also honored the late director Niztan Giladi, with actress Raymond Amsalem paying tribute to his artistic vision.

"The Woman Who Didn't Know How to Love" won Best Feature Documentary, and "Ahmed, a Movie Star" took home Best Short Documentary. "The Other Body" was awarded Best Short Fiction Film, and "Dove's Blood" won for Best Animated Film. Culture Minister Miki Zohar, who previously launched an alternative state-sponsored film ceremony, boycotted the Ophir Awards for the second consecutive year.