The 2026 Genesis Prize was awarded to Israeli actress and producer Gal Gadot, the Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) announced on Tuesday.
Gadot was awarded for her contributions in drawing international attention to the plight of hostages abducted by Gazan terrorist organizations during the October 7 Massacre. She called for the release of the hostages while also expressing sympathy for Gazan civilians impacted by the war.
The Wonder Woman actress held private screenings of raw October 7 Massacre footage for Hollywood leaders to spread awareness of the brutality and immensity of the attack in the entertainment industry.
“I am humbled to receive the Genesis Prize and to stand alongside the amazing laureates who came before me,” Gadot said in a statement. “I am a proud Jew and a proud Israeli. I love my country and dedicate this award to the organizations that will help Israel heal and to those incredible people who serve on the front lines of compassion. Israel has endured unimaginable pain. Now we must begin to heal, to rebuild hearts, families, and communities.”
GPF co-founder and chairman Stan Polovets said in the same statement that Gadot demonstrated moral clarity and unwavering love for Israel in a manner that inspired millions.
The award recognizes Gadot's defense of Israel at great personal risk
“The award recognizes her bravery and moral courage, her steadfast defense of Israel at great personal and professional risk, her advocacy for the hostages, her compassion for victims of terror, and her empathy for all innocent victims of this terrible war unleashed by Hamas," said Polovets. "Her decision to turn the Genesis Prize honor into a mission of healing embodies the very purpose of the Prize, to celebrate achievement and channel it for good.”
Gadot is set to donate the $1 million prize money to Israeli NGOs helping the nation recover from the over two-year war. The donation of the prize money is a tradition of the award.
The Israeli actress joins Genesis laureates such as former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Human rights activist Natan Sharansky, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The 2025 prize was won by Argentinian President Javier Milei, who had renewed diplomatic ties with Israel, announced the relocation of the country's embassy to Jerusalem, and designated Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations.