Dvir Bendek, Norman Issa, and 'Rhinoceroses' Win Top Honors at Tel Aviv Theater Awards

The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality held its inaugural Theater Awards ceremony on July 12, 2026, at the National Theater Habima, recognizing outstanding creators, actors, and productions from the city's theaters. The event, hosted by Nelly Tagar and Alona Sa'ar, was postponed due to the conflict with Iran but finally took place to celebrate the local theatrical scene.

Dvir Bendek won Actor of the Year for his role in "The Leviathan" at the Cameri Theater, while Norman Issa received Best Supporting Actor for "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" at Habima. Nikita Goldman was named Breakthrough Artist for "Mother Courage and Her Children" at the Gesher Theater, and Shir Goldberg earned Best Director for "A Streetcar Named Desire." The award for Best Play went to Noga Ashkenazi for "Footnote" at Habima, and the Best Production of the Year was awarded to "Rhinoceroses" from Beit Lessin Theater.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Aharon Shabtai, a poet, translator, and playwright, honoring his decades-long contribution to Israeli culture and his translations of numerous classical Greek plays. The winners were selected by a judging panel chaired by Chen Arieli, a city council member and culture portfolio holder.

During the ceremony, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai emphasized the vital role of art and culture in a democratic society, stating, "Art and culture are as important to democracy as the rule of law and the protection of minorities. Criticism is essential and more crucial than ever. I am proud to stand here tonight at the first-ever Tel Aviv-Yafo Theater Awards, honoring the wonderful creations of the city's theaters and celebrating the work on and behind the stage."

Additional awards included Best Set Design and Lighting for "Rhinoceroses," Best Costume Design for "Crust" at Gesher, Best Translation for "The Caucasian Chalk Circle," and Best Music for "A Streetcar Named Desire."