The documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol, directed by Ukrainian director Mstislav Chernov, became the first film from Ukraine to win an Academy Award and was recognized as the best full-length documentary.
Chernov was joined on stage for the award ceremony by photojournalist Yevhen Malolietka and producer Vasylisa Stepanenko, who worked with the director in occupied Mariupol in 2022. The director delivered a speech that was called the most decisive speech at the ceremony:
“Thank you to everyone who helped create this film and accompanied me on this journey. This is the first Oscar in the history of Ukraine. It’s an honor, but I will probably be the first director on this stage to say: “I wish I had never made this movie.” I wish I could change it. I wish Russia had never attacked Ukraine and never occupied our cities. I would give everything to prevent Russia from killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukrainian citizens. I would like to see all the hostages, all the soldiers who are defending their land, and all the civilians who are now in their prisons released. I cannot change history. I cannot change the past. But… All of us in this room, the most talented people in the world, can ensure that the truth wins. And the people of Mariupol and those who gave their lives will never be forgotten. Because cinema shapes memories. And memories shape history. I thank everyone. Thank you to Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!”
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the team that worked on the documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” and won the award. He also expressed gratitude to all the journalists who “understand the importance of telling the truth about our struggle” and do so.
