Full Breakdown
Israeli Television Awards Nominees Announced Following Producer's Death
2/19/2026, 10:06:52 PM
Nomination Announcement and Ceremony Details
The Israeli Academy of Film and Television revealed the nominees for the 2025 Television Awards on Thursday, following a delay due to the unexpected death of renowned producer Dana Eden in Greece. Eden, who was in Athens filming the fourth season of the acclaimed series "Tehran," passed away earlier this week. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 22 at Expo Tel Aviv and will be broadcast live by the Kan public broadcaster.
Key Nominations and Competitors
"Tehran," a product of Eden's collaboration with Shula Spiegel, received nominations in seven categories, including Best Actor for Sasson Gabbay. Other notable nominations include Eden's youth series "Shakshuka" and the documentary "Saving the Wildlife." Kan 11 leads the nominations with 108, followed by Yes with 32, Keshet with 30, HOT with 25, and Reshet 13 with four. The final voting round will occur from March 8 to 11, with over 130 television series submitted for consideration.
Background on the Academy and Recent Controversies
The Israeli Academy of Film and Television, a nonprofit organization composed of industry professionals, has seen a 25% increase in membership following a controversy with the Culture and Sports Ministry. Minister Miki Zohar had previously announced a halt to funding for the Ophir Awards after the film "The Sea," which centers on a Palestinian boy, won the Best Feature award. In response, Zohar held an alternative awards ceremony in December, leading to increased solidarity among television professionals advocating for artistic freedom and continued funding for the industry.
Notable Competitors and Categories
In addition to Eden's productions, other nominees include Alon Abutbul, posthumously nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "The German" and "Universes." Sasson Gabbay is nominated for Best Actor for both "Tehran" and "Kugel," a prequel to "Shtisel." The Best Supporting Actress category features Efrat Ben-Zur and Liat Harlev competing against each other for their performances in "Sh-t Kid." Additionally, several singers have been nominated for acting roles, including Avihu Pinhasov for "Happy Place" and Ninet Tayeb for "Fireflies."
Conclusion
The upcoming Television Awards ceremony not only highlights the achievements of the Israeli television industry but also reflects the challenges faced by its professionals in the wake of recent controversies. The nominations serve as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the industry, particularly in light of the loss of influential figures like Dana Eden.
