MONDAY IN KYIV, Ukraine — As the conflict continued with Russia deploying drone attacks damaging structures in the Kharkiv and Odesa areas, Ukraine was greeted with the historic news that it had captured its first-ever Oscar award.
The Academy Award for Best Documentary was awarded to “20 Days in Mariupol” directed by Mstyslav Chernov. The film offers a gripping first-person perspective of Russia’s offensive in 2022. While its Oscar victory is notable, it carries an undertone of heartache.
During the Oscar ceremony, Chernov, visibly moved, expressed his conflicted feelings, “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honored. I wish I’d never had to make this film. I would trade this Oscar if it meant Russia had not invaded Ukraine.”
In Ukraine, Chernov’s victory was hailed for shedding light on the war’s atrocity and the powerful message he conveyed to a global audience.
Andriy Yermak, the chief of the Presidential Office, commented via Telegram, celebrating the profound significance of the win. “The world has borne witness to the true face of Russia’s crimes. Justice will always triumph,” he noted.
Chernov, alongside AP photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, began documenting the siege just an hour before bombs fell on Mariupol. Two weeks into the invasion, they remained as the sole journalists from an international media firm in the city, capturing and sharing images of indescribable violence and loss.
The Oscar-winning documentary, a collaborative effort between AP and PBS’ “Frontline,” celebrates the achievements of Chernov, producer/editor Michelle Mizner, and producer Raney Aronson-Rath. It marks a milestone for Chernov, AP, and “Frontline” in their contribution to journalism and cinematography.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights chief, praised the film for revealing the harsh realities of war. He also highlighted the Oscars as a platform to reach out to millions and speak on serious issues such as the conflict’s ongoing horrors.
The documentary, which has also won the Pulitzer Prize among other accolades, comes as Ukraine is being battered by war for over two years, with its military under severe strain from Russian aggression.
Latest drone attacks lead to damage of buildings and infrastructure in the regions of Kharkiv and Odesa, albeit without casualty reports.
In an echo of last year, this year’s Oscar win once again shifts the spotlight onto Russia’s internal politics and human rights abuses. The previous year, the documentary “Navalny,” concerning the now-deceased Russian dissident, took home the best documentary accolade.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the Ukrainian film’s win, stating it is beyond Kremlin’s jurisdiction to do so.
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia.
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Comprehensive coverage of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict can be found at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
FAQ
- What is the significance of the Oscar win for Ukraine?
The win is highly significant for Ukraine as it marks the country’s first Oscar victory and draws international attention to the atrocities of the war with Russia. - Who are the key individuals involved in the creation of “20 Days in Mariupol”?
Mstyslav Chernov directed the documentary, with contributions from AP photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko. Producers Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath from PBS’ “Frontline” were also crucial to the project. - What was the Kremlin’s response to the Oscar awarding?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the Oscar win, implying that it is not a matter for the Kremlin to address. - Has the documentary received any other awards?
Yes, “20 Days in Mariupol” has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
Conclusion
The celebration of Ukraine’s first Oscar for the documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” arrives at a time when the world’s eyes are turned to the ongoing conflict. The award-winning film serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle and the imperative requirement for global awareness and action. Despite the devastating backdrop of war, Ukraine’s remarkable achievement at the Academy Awards stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Ukrainian people and journalism.