Hiam Abbass’ career spans international cinema, television, and theater. She gained widespread acclaim through collaborations with leading auteurs, appearing in films such as THE SYRIAN BRIDE, PARADISE NOW, and LEMON TREE, the latter earning her Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Her work has since bridged independent cinema and major international productions, including BLADE RUNNER 2049 and the HBO series SUCCESSION, where her role introduced her to a broader global audience. In addition to acting, Abbass has directed and written her own work, including INHERITANCE, further demonstrating her range as a filmmaker.
PALESTINE 36: Abbass starred in Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama, which premiered at Toronto, went to BFI and Rome, and won the Grand Prix at Tokyo. SPICES AND LIES: Directed by Amine Adjina, the film premiered at Rome and screened at Palm Springs, Filmfest DC, Kansas City, and Cinemamed. THE ARAB: Abbass appeared in Malek Benismail’s adaptation of the award-winning novel by Kamel Daoud, THE MEURSAULT INVESTIGATION. The film premiered at Rotterdam. ONLY REBELS WIN: Danielle Arbid’s drama premiered at the 2026 Berlinale, performed well in screenings across France, and earned Abbass widespread acclaim, including props from The Hollywood Reporter and Screen Daily, who called it “one of her finest.” IN A WHISPER: Leyla Bouzid’s family drama, starring Abbass, also premiered at the Berlinale, where it was nominated for a Golden Bear.
PALESTINE 36: Abbass starred in Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama, which premiered at Toronto, went to BFI and Rome, and won the Grand Prix at Tokyo.
SPICES AND LIES: Directed by Amine Adjina, the film premiered at Rome and screened at Palm Springs, Filmfest DC, Kansas City, and Cinemamed.
THE ARAB: Abbass appeared in Malek Benismail’s adaptation of the award-winning novel by Kamel Daoud, THE MEURSAULT INVESTIGATION. The film premiered at Rotterdam.
ONLY REBELS WIN: Danielle Arbid’s drama premiered at the 2026 Berlinale, performed well in screenings across France, and earned Abbass widespread acclaim, including props from The Hollywood Reporter and Screen Daily, who called it “one of her finest.”
IN A WHISPER: Leyla Bouzid’s family drama, starring Abbass, also premiered at the Berlinale, where it was nominated for a Golden Bear.
