Capturing the chilling reality of war through the lens of a camera, “20 Days in Mariupol” emerged victorious as the best documentary feature at the prestigious Oscars ceremony on Sunday night. Directed by Mstyslav Chernov, the gripping film offers a first-person perspective on the Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A groundbreaking accomplishment for The Associated Press and PBS’ “Frontline,” it marked the first such nomination and win for Chernov, a devoted AP video journalist, as well as a historic accolade for the globally respected 178-year-old news organization. “Frontline,” meanwhile, celebrated its third nomination and its inaugural Oscars win.
The film’s conception was rooted in the courageous endeavor of Chernov, alongside photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko, who found themselves in Mariupol merely an hour before the shelling began. Over the following two weeks, as international media withdrew, these fearless journalists remained as the sole chroniclers from an international media outlet, offering the world a window into the horrifying events unfolding within the besieged city. Their reporting unflinchingly depicted the indiscriminate civilian casualties across all ages, the heartbreaking scenes of mass graves, the targeted bombing of a maternity hospital, and the overwhelmingly tragic destruction that swept through Mariupol.
An emotional Chernov spoke from the Oscars’ stage, “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I’m honored. Probably I will be the first director on this stage to say I wish I’d never made this film, I wish to be able to exchange this to Russia never attacking Ukraine.” His acceptance speech was an impassioned plea for the cessation of Russian aggression and the release of captured soldiers and civilians. Chernov stressed the importance of cinematic storytelling in the shaping of collective memory and, ultimately, history, as he dedicated the win to the memories of those who suffered and perished in Mariupol.
Throughout their harrowing stint in the city, the team faced various reactions to their presence. Some residents expressed gratitude for their efforts to document the truth, while others, overwhelmed by sorrow and despair, scorned them. Medical professionals, witnessing unspeakable horrors, implored the crew to film the ghastly wounds inflicted upon children to reveal the extent of the atrocity committed.
With connectivity issues plaguing their work, only 40 minutes of raw footage was shared with the world in real-time. Upon finally escaping the city, Chernov felt a strong obligation to utilize the 30-plus hours of footage they gathered to tell Mariupol’s story. Chernov, born in Ukraine, also lent his voice to narrate the documentary.
The team’s exceptional journalistic efforts were previously recognized with the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for public service, and their impactful images contributed to the breaking news photography Pulitzer that same year.
Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival, “20 Days in Mariupol” captivated audiences, securing an audience award, and went on to win best documentary awards from the Directors Guild and BAFTA. Its journey to the Oscar win placed it above formidable contenders such as “Four Daughters,” “The Eternal Memory,” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” and “To Kill a Tiger.” It also follows in the footsteps of “Navalny,” the preceding year’s best documentary winner that explored the life of the Russian opposition leader who recently passed away.
The recognition for “20 Days in Mariupol” is bittersweet, serving as a stark reminder that even years after the documented events, the war in Ukraine rages on. On the very day that Chernov received his Oscar nomination, he was confronted with the grim news of his hometown of Kharkiv suffering under a lethal bombing by Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has solemnly reported that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have paid the ultimate price.
The cinematic tale “20 Days in Mariupol” is now etched into the annals of film history, not just as an artistic triumph, but as an enduring testament to the resilience of human spirit and the unyielding pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.
