Mixed feelings at Ramallah party

For once, the cacophony in Ramallah was not over an Israeli army raid or infighting between militant factions. It came, instead, from the first Oscar party held by Palestinians elated at a kinsman’s nomination for Hollywood’s top honor.

In the end, “Paradise Now,” a controversial drama about two Palestinians recruited to carry out suicide bombings in Israel, did not capture the Oscar for best foreign-language film.

“I was hoping it would win and I am disappointed,” said Vivienne Sansour, organizer of the Academy Awards viewing party at the Almond Bar. “At the same time, it is a good feeling to see ourselves represented in the world.”

Assistant director Inas Muzafar agreed. “The nomination was for me a victory -- not only for the film but also for the Palestinian and Arab film industry,” he said.