Oscar-Winning Director Mstyslav Chernov Condemns Russia in Historic Acceptance Speech
Ukrainian director Mstyslav Chernov, the creative force behind the powerful documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” delivered an impassioned acceptance speech at the 96th Academy Awards. In a historic moment, Chernov used his platform to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His words resonated with urgency and purpose, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict and the plight of his fellow Ukrainians.
When “20 Days in Mariupol” took home the Academy Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature on Sunday, director Mstyslav Chernov used his acceptance speech to make a powerful statement supporting Ukraine. Oscar-Winning Director Mstyslav Chernov Condemns Russia in Historic Acceptance Speech.
“This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history. And I’m honored,” Chernov said. “But probably I will be the first director on this stage who will say I wish I had never made this film. I wish to be able to exchange this for Russia never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities.”Mstyslav Chernov Condemns Russia.
Also Read: Breaking NEWS: Emma Stone Wins Second Oscar 2024 For Her Stellar Performance in “Poor Things”.
He continued, “Russians are killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukrainians. I wish for them to release all the hostages, all the soldiers who are protecting their lands, all the civilians who are now in their jails. But I cannot change the history. I cannot change the past.”
Chernov then called on Hollywood figures to use their voices to uplift the voices of the Ukrainian people. “We altogether: you. I’m calling on you, some of the most talented people in the world. We can make sure that the history record is set straight and that 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.”
Speaking to in the press room, Chernov elaborated on how he hopes Hollywood can contribute to the end of violence in Ukraine. “History is not always how it happened. It’s how we remember, and the future generations will look back and wonder what’s happening to us right now. They will see through the lens of cinema, whether it’s documentary or scripted,” he said. “Children in Ukraine … when they’re fighting, when they’re hiding spaces and bombs, they wish to escape in a different world.”
Chernov, clutching his Oscar statuette, expressed a heartfelt wish: “I wish to be able to exchange this award for Russia never attacking Ukraine and never occupying our cities.” His plea echoed the pain and resilience of a nation caught in the throes of war.
Mstyslav Chernov Condemns Russia
The documentary, “20 Days in Mariupol,” chronicles Chernov’s harrowing experiences in the besieged Ukrainian city immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion in February 2022. The film, a joint production of The Associated Press and PBS, earned widespread acclaim and secured a place on the National Board of Review’s list of the top five documentaries 2023. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later screened during the 78th United Nations General Assembly session.
Chernov’s Oscar win comes at a critical juncture, as supplemental military aid to Ukraine remains stalled in Congress and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy grapples with defending his country against Moscow’s forces. In his acceptance speech, Chernov emphasized the power of cinema: “We can make sure history’s record is set straight and that the truth will prevail,” he declared. “Cinema forms memories, and memories form history.”
The impact of Chernov’s speech reverberated through the Oscars audience, leaving them stunned. On social media, users praised him for using his moment in the spotlight to shed light on Ukraine’s courageous battle against Russia.
This historic Oscar win is a testament to Chernov’s unwavering commitment to truth-telling and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
