Independence Sweeps Ophir Awards, Will Represent Israel at Oscars

The Israeli film "Independence" was the big winner at the Ophir Awards, Israel's national film awards ceremony, taking home ten awards including Best Film. Directed by Moshe Rosenthal, the period drama's haul ties it with "The Lovers of Yana" (1999) and "Seven Blessings" (2023) for the most Ophir wins, a record still held by "The Band's Visit" (2007) with 11 awards. With its Best Picture win, "Independence" will represent Israel in the upcoming Academy Awards race, should it advance to the final nominations.

Moshe Rosenthal also secured wins for Best Director and Best Screenplay for "Independence." Unlike the previous year's ceremony, which was marked by political speeches, this year's event proceeded without political commentary. Last year, the film "The Sea," about a Palestinian boy's journey to see the ocean, won Best Film and represented Israel at the Oscars but did not make the shortlist.

Veteran actress Tzipi Shavit received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the comedy "Farewell to Dough." The ceremony also included tributes to artists who passed away this year, including actors Ilan Dar and Nitzan Giladi, and director Mohammad Bakri. Ido Tako won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Where/When," though he also received a nomination for his performance in "Independence."

Other notable awards included Best Actor for Ihab Salamah in "Where/When," and Best Actress for Evgenia Dodina in "Mama." The ceremony also honored veteran actress Levana Finkelshtein with a lifetime achievement award for her six-decade career in film, television, and theater.

The awards also recognized achievements in animation, documentary, short film, editing, cinematography, art direction, costume design, makeup, and sound design, with "Independence" securing multiple wins across these categories.