Critics Awards for Arab Films shortlist announced

Adam and It Must Be Heaven lead nominations

by Amber Wilkinson

Adam 2019
Adam 2019 Photo: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival
The shortlisted nominees for the Critics Awards for Arab Films have been announced. The award has been voted on by 142 film critics from 57 countries in under its jury committee. The winners will be announced during the upcoming edition of the Virtual Cannes Market (June 22-26).

Elia Sulieman's absurdist consideration of the Palestine situation, It Must Be Heaven and Maryam's female-centric drama Adam lead the nominations list with four each.

Co-founders of ACC, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab said: "We're proud to announce the fourth edition of the Critics' Awards for Arab Films. Although we won't be able to hold the reception in Cannes as usual, however we're happy that it shall continue as part of the festival in its virtual edition this year.

“We are also thrilled to announce Deborah Young as the newly appointed Manager of the Critics Awards for Arab Films for the next two years, before another film critic takes over for another two-year term. We would like to thank TV personality Raya Abirached for adding her unique touch to this year’s Critics’ Awards for Arab Films by revealing its final nominees."

Deborah Young said: “I am honoured to be nominated and to play a role in the Critics Awards for Arab Films. I hope my contribution can help make the Arab Cinema Center’s prestigious award even more relevant.”

The shortlisted nominees are below:

Best Documentary

  • 143 Sahara Street, Directed by Hassen Ferhani, Algeria
  • Talking About Trees, Directed by Suhaib Gasmelbari, Sudan
  • For Sama, Directed by Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts, Syria

Best Actress

  • Lubna Azabal, Adam, Morocco
  • Nissrine Erradi, Adam, Morocco
  • Hend Sabry, Noura’s Dream, Tunisia

Best Actor

  • Elia Suleiman, It Must Be Heaven, Palestine
  • Sami Bouajila, A Son, Tunisia
  • Abdullah Miniawy, Tlamess, Egypt

Best Screenplay

  • Amjad Abu Alala, Yousef Ibrahim, You Will Die At Twenty, Sudan
  • Elia Suleiman, It Must Be Heaven, Palestine
  • Mehdi Barsaoui, A Son, Tunisia

Best Director

  • Elia Suleiman, It Must Be Heaven, Palestine
  • Ala Eddine Slim, Tlamess, Tunisia
  • Maryam Touzani, Adam, Morocco

Best Film

  • Adam, Director: Maryam Touzani, Morocco
  • It Must Be Heaven, Director: Elia Suleiman, Palestine
  • You Will Die At Twenty, Director: Amjad Abu Alala, Sudan

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