'20 Days In Mariupol' Director Mstyslav Chernov Gives Powerful Oscars Speech About Ukrainian War In First Ukraine Win

"20 Days in Mariupol" director Mstyslav Chernov gave a moving speech while accepting the best documentary feature trophy at Sunday night's 2024 Oscars ceremony.

During his speech, Chernov said that it was Ukraine's first Oscar win but that he wished he didn't have to make his documentary, which chronicled the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and I'm honored," the Ukraine-born filmmaker and journalist said, as seen in a video shared by ABC News. "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 for Russia never attacking Ukraine and never occupying our cities."

Chernov added that he "would give up all the recognition for Russia not killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukrainians."

The Associated Press video journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner went on to call on Russia to end its brutal invasion.

"I wish for them to release all the hostages, all the soldiers who are protecting their land, all the civilians who are in their jails," Chernov said. "But I can't change history; I cannot change the past."

Chernov arrived in Mariupol alongside photographer Evgeniy Maloletka and producer Vasilisa Stepanenko right before Russia began bombing the Ukrainian city, according to the Associated Press.

The three reported on the invasion from Mariupol over the next two weeks, including civilian casualties and the bombing of a maternity hospital.

Chernov worked with Maloletka, Stepanenko, and reporter Lori Hinnant to create "20 Days in Mariupol" from the hours of footage the three journalists had filmed by the time they were able to leave Mariupol.

During the 2024 Oscars ceremony, Chernov asked those in the audience to make sure that the events of the invasion of Ukraine, which has now entered its second year, are told accurately.

"We can make sure that the history record is set straight and 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," the director said during his speech.

"20 Days in Mariupol" beat fellow nominees "Bobi Wine: The People's President," "The Eternal Memory, Four Daughters," and "To Kill a Tiger" for the best documentary Oscar.

Chernov's film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year, earning rave reviews and an audience award.

"20 Days in Mariupol" also won best documentary at the Directors Guild of America Awards and the BAFTAs.

Meanwhile, "Oppenheimer" won big at the 2024 Oscars, receiving best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan, best actor for Cillian Murphy, and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.

Emma Stone took home the best actress Oscar for her performance in "Poor Things," while Da'Vine Joy Randolph won best supporting actress for her "The Holdovers" role.

The 96th Academy Awards aired Sunday on ABC.