Oscars 2024: ’20 Days in Mariupol’ director condemns Russia in victory speech
At the Oscars 2024 in Los Angeles on March 10th, 20 Days in Mariupol director Mstyslav Chernov used his victory speech in the ‘Documentary Feature’ category to condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The film follows Chernov and a team of Ukrainian journalists who are stuck in the city of Mariupol for 20 days following the devastating invasion that took place by Russia. 20 Days in Mariupol’s victory marks the first Ukranian movie to win an Academy Award.
After 20 Days in Mariupol was victorious, the Ukranian director told those in attendance at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles: “This is the first Oscar in Ukranian history. I’m honoured but probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I had never made this film.”
Chernov continued: “I wish to be able to exchange this to Russia never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities. I wish to give all the recognition to Russia not killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukranians. I wish for them to release all of the hostages, all the soldiers who are protecting their land, all the civilians who are now in their jails.”
The director added: “I cannot change the history, I cannot change the past, but we altogether, you are some of the most talented people in the world and we can make sure that the history record is set straight and that the truth will prevail, and the people of Mariupol and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten because cinema forms memories and memories form history.”
The Oscar-winning filmmaker concluded his speech by emotionally paying tribute to his homeland, stating: “Thanks to Ukraine”.
Last month, when 20 Days in Mariupol was awarded ‘Best Documentary’ at the Baftas, Chernov said of the film: “This is not about us. This is about Ukraine; it’s about the people of Mariupol. I want to keep the focus on that. Yesterday, another Ukrainian city has fallen…the story of Mariupol is a symbol of everything that happens, a symbol of struggle, a symbol of faith and thank you for empowering our voice and let’s just keep fighting”.
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