The first for Ukraine. Documentary film “20 Days in Mariupol” wins Oscar

At the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Ukrainian director Mstislav Chernov’s film “20 Days in Mariupol” was awarded an Oscar in the category of best feature-length documentary.

“I wish this film had never been made,” Chernov said during the ceremony. “I would like to trade this Oscar for a guarantee that Russia will not invade Ukraine and take over our cities again.” But together we can achieve the victory of truth. Glory to Ukraine!“.

A team of journalists from the Associated Press, including Mstislav Chernov, photojournalist Yevgeny Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, spent 20 days in the besieged city captured by Russian troops.

“20 Days in Mariupol” begins with a scene where a Russian tank points its gun at the hospital where Chernov and his team were on the top floor. We hope that such high recognition will attract even more attention to the war in Ukraine. Billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia have been blocked in Congress for months.

This is the first Oscar in history awarded to the authors of a Ukrainian film. Previously, the film, which tells the story of the siege of Mariupol by Russian troops in 2022, also received a British BAFTA film award.

Of the feature films, Christopher Nolan received the Oscar. Oppenheimer was named best film and its director was named best director.