“I wish to exchange the award for Russia never attacking Ukraine,” winner of the first Ukrainian Oscar

The American publication, Variety, calls powerful Mstyslav Chernov‘s speech at the Oscars

When 20 Days In Mariupol won an Oscar as the Best Documentary on Sunday, director Mstyslav Chernov used his speech to make a powerful statement in support of Ukraine.

“This is the first Oscar in Ukraine’s history, and I am honored,” said Chernov. “But I’ll probably be the first director on this stage to say that I wish I’d never made this movie. I wish to be able to exchange it for Russia, never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities.”

In a conversation with American journalists in the press center, Chernov said he hopes Hollywood can contribute to the end of violence in Ukraine.

“History is not always as it was. It is how we remember, and future generations will look back and wonder what was happening to us at that time. They will see through the prism of cinema…,” he said. “Children in Ukraine… when they fight, when they hide in bomb shelters, they want to escape to another world.”

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) sincerely congratulates the team of the film 20 Days In Mariupol for winning the Oscar!

“An incredible way from Mariupol, taken by the Russians in a bloody siege from the first days of the invasion, to the red carpet of world fame! Journalism in times of war is important. And your victory gives hope to Ukraine,” NUJU President Sergiy Tomilenko wrote on social media.

“The BAFTA, and now the Oscar for the film, is not only a recognition of the talent of the film director but also another demonstration of the support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle,” says the deputy commander of the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Troops Group for strategic communications and NUJU secretary, Serhii Cherevatyi.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova, called the presentation of the Oscar to the Ukrainian team a historic victory. “And with their feat in Mariupol, and the brilliant film, and today’s award, your incredible team spreads the truth about the crimes of the Russians and our struggle and brings Victory closer!” she added.

“Thank you, dear ones, for this truth told!” wrote Sevhil Musayeva, the editor-in-chief of Ukrainian Pravda.

The well-known public figure and producer of radio Kultura [Culture], Iryna Slavinska, called 20 Days In Mariupol an outstanding film and agreed with its authors: “Indeed, it would be better if there were no such films (books, texts…) as there were none of the military experience that has marked more than one Ukrainian generation…”

NUJU Information Service