Key highlights:

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issues an apology for not supporting Hamdan Ballal.
• Over 600 Academy members signed a letter condemning the lack of response to Ballal's assault.
• Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by military forces.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued an apology after facing backlash for not adequately supporting Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, who was assaulted by Israeli settlers earlier this week. In its initial statement on Wednesday, the Academy had failed to mention Ballal or his documentary, No Other Land, that had recently won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Ballal was reportedly attacked on Monday in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, beaten by settlers, and subsequently detained by Israeli forces. Following public outcry, which included condemnation from notable film figures such as Joaquin Phoenix and Penélope Cruz, the Academy issued a more explicit statement on Friday addressing Ballal directly. “[We] sincerely apologize to Mr. Ballal and all artists who felt unsupported by our previous statement,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang wrote.

A total of over 600 Academy members signed an open letter that criticized the Academy’s initial response for falling "far short of the sentiments this moment calls for." The letter stated, “We stand in condemnation of the brutal assault and unlawful detention of Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank.” This collective action from the film community reflects a growing demand for institutions to take a stand on human rights issues.

The controversy erupted following what many described as an inadequate response from the Academy, which initially issued a generic statement condemning violence against artists without naming any individuals involved. This lack of specificity sparked further outrage, prompting industry professionals to rally in support of Ballal.

The co-director of No Other Land, Yuval Abraham, expressed his disappointment in the Academy's handling of the situation, noting that their silence in the face of direct attacks was unbecoming for such a prestigious organization.

Ballal, who declined to comment on the events beyond recounting the physical assault sustained during the altercation, has risen to prominence for his poignant storytelling that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Palestinians. “When they say your name, you understand,” Ballal remarked after regaining his freedom, highlighting the weight his Oscar carries amid the geopolitical turmoil. The film chronicles the displacement of Palestinian families amidst ongoing military actions in the West Bank.

The Academy's subsequent apology is viewed as a critical step, albeit delayed, in recalibrating their stance as a global platform for artistic expression. The organization’s acknowledgment of Ballal's plight illustrates a call for solidarity within the filmmaking community, particularly concerning adherence to freedoms in artistic narratives.

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