Homeland Actor Mohammad Bakri Dies at 72, Weeks Before Potential Oscar Nomination

The curtain has fallen on a towering figure in Palestinian cinema. Mohammad Bakri, an acclaimed actor and filmmaker known for his role in 'Homeland' and for his Oscar-shortlisted film, has died at the age of 72. According to reports from the Associated Press, Bakri passed away on December 24 in a hospital in Nahariya following heart and lung issues. His death comes just weeks before the Oscar nominations are announced on Jan. 22, with his final film, 'All That's Left of You,' shortlisted for Best International Feature.

A Career of Conviction and Controversy

Bakri's work consistently sought to illuminate Palestinian life, often stirring controversy. His 2003 documentary, 'Jenin, Jenin,' which chronicled destruction in the West Bank, was banned in Israel. The country's Supreme Court later ordered him to pay damages in 2022, finding the film defamatory to an Israeli military officer.

Internationally, many viewers will recognize Bakri from his role as Abdu Qadir G’ulom, the vice president of Afghanistan, in season 8 of Showtime's Emmy-winning drama 'Homeland.' He appeared in seven episodes of the show's final season in 2020. His other credits include 'American Assassin,' HBO's 'The Night Of,' and the Cannes Film Festival hit 'Boy From Heaven.'

A Voice On and Off Screen

Bakri was also a force in theater. In 1986, he launched a solo show, 'Bakri's Monologue,' which explored the complex inner life of a person navigating both Israeli and Palestinian identities. Following his death, Bakri’s cousin, Rafic, said in a statement that he was certain his family member would "remain in the memory of Palestinian people everywhere and all people of the free world."