Israeli TV Academy Awards honor late Alon Aboutboul, KAN leads wins

The Israeli Academy of Film and Television's annual awards ceremony, held at Expo Tel Aviv, celebrated the nation's television achievements of 2025. Hosted by actors Tom Yaar and Shira Naor, the event saw KAN, Israel's public broadcaster, emerge as the dominant force, securing an impressive 27 awards. This success comes amidst political pressure on KAN, with Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi advocating for its closure, highlighting the complex relationship between the broadcaster and the government.

The ceremony, for the first time in two years, proceeded without special wartime categories, yet the impact of the past year was palpable. A somber tone underscored the evening as the industry mourned the loss of several members. Among the most poignant moments was the recognition of Alon Aboutboul, a beloved Israeli actor, who received two posthumous awards for his versatile performances. His children's heartfelt message, read by his sister-in-law, underscored the profound impact of his absence.

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Thank you for choosing our father - he really was something, and we miss him very much.

The awards also paid tribute to other industry figures. The Cameri Quintet, a comedy group, was honored with a lifetime achievement award, remembering their late member Rami Heuberger. The popular thriller series Tehran also garnered attention, with awards for artistic direction and original music. Producer Shula Spiegel used her acceptance speech to commemorate her late partner, Dana Eden, vowing to continue their legacy of producing impactful Israeli dramas. These moments of remembrance and dedication underscore the resilience and passion of Israel's creative community, even in the face of loss.

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I take advantage of every stage to commemorate my beloved partner. On Wednesday, I went on stage alone for the first time - again reality hit me. You were not there, dear and beloved Dana. Almost 20 years of wonderful partnership, years of joint creation... The Eden family, I promise - we will continue to create, to produce dramas in Israel and around the world, just as we did together.