‘Once Upon A Time In Gaza’ Scoops Top Prize At 10th Critics’ Awards For Arab Films

Palestinian directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser’s Once Upon A Time In Gaza has scooped Best Film at the 10th Critics’ Awards For Arab Films. Set in Gaza in 2007, and following the misadventures of a student (Nader Abd Alhay) and restaurant owner and petty criminal (Majd Eid), the picture premiered in Un Certain Regard last year and won the Best Director prize. Palestine 36, which was nominated in six categories, also won Best Screenplay for director Annemarie Jacir and Best Cinematography for Hélène Louvart. The other big winner is Cherien Dabis who won Best Director for All That’s Left Of You. Watch on Deadline Organized by the Arab Cinema Centre (ACC), Critics’ Awards For Arab Films has been voted on by a record 307 Arab and international critics from 75 countries this year, with the awards ceremony taking place later today at the Cannes’ Plage des Palmes. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Critics Awards for Arab Films, our mission has remained steadfast: to spotlight the finest Arab films and talents and help bring them the international recognition they deserve,” commented ACC Co-Founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab. The 10th edition of the ceremony also honored prominent figures whose contributions have had a remarkable impact on the Arab film and entertainment industry. The Game Changer Award was presented to Vincenzo Bugno in recognition of his influential role in supporting Arab cinema and strengthening its international presence, while the Personality of the Year Award was granted to Hussein Fahmy in celebration of his outstanding artistic career and continued contributions to Arab cinema. 2026 Winners Best Feature Film ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA | Arab and Tarzan Nasser | Palestine Best Screenplay Annemarie Jacir | PALESTINE 36 Best Director Cherien Dabis | ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU Best Actress Deborah Christelle Naney | PROMISED SKY Best Actor Adham Shukr | THE SETTLEMENT Best Music Suad Bushnaq | YUNAN Best Editing Ameer Fakher Eldin | YUNAN Best Cinematography Hélène Louvart | PALESTINE 36 Best Documentary THE LIONS BY THE RIVER TIGRIS | Zaradasht Ahmed | Iraq Best Short Film I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD NOW | Tawfeek Barhom | Palestine