At the Oscar ceremony held in LOS ANGELES (AP), a poignant wish was voiced by Mstyslav Chernov, the director behind the stark narrative of the Russian invasion of Ukraine titled “20 Days in Mariupol.” He expressed his desire for the documentary’s non-existence, wishing instead that Russia had never instigated hostilities in Ukraine. He appealed for Russia to end its offensive and for the release of detainees — the soldiers defending their homeland and civilians imprisoned. Winning the best documentary award during Sunday’s event, Chernov’s work is a powerful testament to the conflict that erupted in 2022.
“20 Days in Mariupol,” a collaborative effort spearheaded by The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” brought Oscars home to Chernov, producer and editor Michelle Mizner, and producer Raney Aronson-Rath. This achievement marked the first Oscar nomination and win for Chernov, an AP video journalist, as well as a first for the 178-year-old news agency. Meanwhile, “Frontline” celebrated its first win after its third Oscar nod.
Chernov, along with photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, reached Mariupol one hour before the city was blitzed by Russian forces. In the subsequent fortnight, this trio remained as the final journalists from an international news organization active within the battered city, relaying vital reports detailing the toll on civilians, mass grave excavations, the destruction of a maternity hospital, and the sheer scale of destruction.
Chernov, during his acceptance speech, acknowledged the historical significance of this accolade for Ukraine. He said, “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honored.” He expressed a heartfelt desire to trade the prestigious award for an alternate reality where Ukraine would not suffer under Russian siege.
“We can make sure that the history record is set straight and the truth will prevail, and that the people of Mariupol, and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten. Because cinema forms memories and memories form history,” Chernov articulated his conviction in the enduring value of cinematic truth.
The documentary’s production team faced various reactions on the ground. While some expressed gratitude for their efforts in bringing attention to the plight of victims, others leveled insults. Medical professionals implored the journalists to capture and broadcast the graphic reality of wounded and deceased children to open the world’s eyes to the tragic events.
Despite the challenges, including limited opportunities to transmit footage due to poor connectivity, only 40 minutes were shared with the global audience in real-time. However, with over 30 hours of footage at hand after their evacuation from Mariupol, Chernov felt compelled to craft a narrative, enriching the documentary with his own voice as a Ukrainian narrator.
The documentary, besides capturing the Oscar, has received prestigious recognition including the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for public service, a Pulitzer in breaking news photography, and an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film also secured top documentary honors from the Directors Guild of America and the BAFTA awards. It triumphed over compelling nominees such as “Four Daughters,” “The Eternal Memory,” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” and “To Kill a Tiger.” The previous year’s documentary winner, “Navalny,” centered on the recently deceased Russian opposition leader.
The accolades for “Mariupol” serve not only as a testament to cinematic excellence but also as stark reminders of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The same day Chernov celebrated his Oscar nomination, his hometown of Kharkiv suffered a lethal assault by Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported thousands of Ukrainian military deaths since the war’s onset.
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Find more about the 2024 Oscars at https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards, and for updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
FAQ
Q: What is “20 Days in Mariupol” about?
A: “20 Days in Mariupol” is a documentary that depicts the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, focusing on the experiences and observations of journalists in Mariupol.
Q: Who directed “20 Days in Mariupol”?
A: The documentary was directed by Mstyslav Chernov, who is an AP video journalist.
Q: Did “20 Days in Mariupol” win any other awards besides the Oscar?
A: Yes, the documentary has won several awards, including the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for public service, an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival, and best documentary honors from the Directors Guild of America and the BAFTA awards.
Q: Where can I learn more about the 2024 Oscars and the Russia-Ukraine war coverage?
A: For the Oscars coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards, and for updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
Conclusion
“20 Days in Mariupol” stands as a powerful chronicle of war, capturing the essence of documentary filmmaking as a medium for truth and historical record. Its recent Oscar win not only highlights the craft and dedication of its creators but also brings continued attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis within Ukraine. Through its compelling narrative, the film ensures that the experiences of those in Mariupol, and the larger context of the Ukraine conflict, are not forgotten but remembered and understood worldwide.