The Critics Choice Awards unveiled its 31st annual ceremony nominees on Friday, naming the Israeli mini-series "Red Alert" – The four-part production that recounts the Hamas-led terrorist assault on southern Israel that occurred on Oct. 7, 2023 – among Best Foreign Language Series contenders.
Known in Hebrew as "Or Rishon," meaning "First Light", the series "Red Alert" debuted internationally on Oct. 7, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the atrocities that triggered Israel's nearly two-year military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Produced primarily in Hebrew, the four-episode series chronicles ordinary individuals' real-life stories, ranging from the terrorist massacre at the Nova music festival to the Yahalomi family confronting Hamas terrorists in their home, leading to the kidnapping of father Ohad and son Eitan.
The Keshet Media Group, an Israeli production company, collaborated with prominent Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender, best known for "Pulp Fiction" and "Inglourious Basterds", to create the series, which was shot in Israel and featured an Israeli ensemble, the report concluded. The production was broadcast on Paramount+, drawing backlash amid ongoing anti-Israel sentiment.
The nomination represents a significant achievement for the limited series, which is receiving international recognition despite pro-Palestinian criticism.
Other television series nominated in the same category include "Acapulco" on Apple TV, "Last Samurai Standing" on Netflix, "Mussolini: Son of the Century" on MUBI, "Squid Game" on Netflix, and "When No One Sees Us" on HBO Max.
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 6 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, featuring the merged film and television honors format. The winners will be announced during this event.
