Every year, we eagerly anticipate the Academy Awards, as it celebrates the most deserving talents in cinema from around the world. With this year’s ceremony just around the corner, it’s only fitting to look back at the Arab stars who have made their mark on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Omar Sharif (1963 & 1967)
Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, widely regarded as the first Arab star to conquer Hollywood, made his mark at the Academy Awards not once, but twice. His first Oscar appearance came in 1963, when he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). He returned to the Oscars in 1967, this time taking the stage alongside Ann-Margret to present the award for Best Cinematography.
Rami Malek (2019)
In 2019, Rami Malek made history when he scored the Best Actor award for his role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), making him the first actor of Egyptian and Arab heritage to secure this title.
Feras Fayyad (2018 & 2020)
Syrian filmmaker Feras Fayyad made a powerful impact at the Academy Awards, earning recognition twice for his compelling documentary work. His first nomination came in 2018 with Last Men in Aleppo (2017), which was shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature. He made it to the awards again in 2020 with The Cave (2019), once again nominated in the same category.
Nadine Labaki (2019)
Lebanese director Nadine Labaki made history in 2019 as the first Arab female filmmaker to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film for her acclaimed movie Capernaum (2018).
Yousra (2020)
In 2020, Egyptian superstar Youssra graced the Oscars red carpet as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences jury. She turned heads in a pharaonic-inspired custom Zuhair Murad gown, making a striking statement of Egyptian elegance and highlighting the country’s influence on Hollywood.
Kaouther Ben Hania (2021 & 2024)
Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania has achieved an extraordinary feat, earning three Oscar nominations. Her first came in 2021 when The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020) was nominated for Best International Feature Film. In 2024, she earned a nomination for Best Documentary Feature Film with Four Daughters (2023). This year, she secured her third Oscar nod as her acclaimed documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) was nominated for Best International Feature Film for 2026.
Hend Sabry (2024)
Tunisian star Hend Sabri starred as Olfa in Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters (2023). In 2024, She attended the Oscars Awards to celebrate the film’s nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
By earning nominations at the Academy Awards year after year, Arab filmmakers and actors are showcasing the incredible talent of the Middle East on the world’s biggest cinematic stage. Their achievements not only fill us with pride but also amplify our stories, culture, and voices for the whole world to hear.
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