Ukraine has chosen mstyslav chernov‘s documentary “2000 Meters to Andriivka” as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
This film narrates the harrowing journey of a Ukrainian platoon tasked with liberating the village of Andriivka from Russian forces. Utilizing a mix of helmet-mounted cameras, drones, and ground-level footage, it provides an unvarnished look at warfare while showcasing the resilience of those fighting under dire circumstances.
In his review for Variety, Guy Lodge remarked: “’2000 Meters to Andriivka’ is a documentary that pulsates with life yet feels drained and frenetic, encapsulating an overwhelming sense of weary anxiety through one soldier’s poignant question: ‘What if this war lasts until our final days?’ For far to many fallen comrades, it already has.”
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The Ukrainian Oscar Committee stated: “This is an unflinchingly powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the realities of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through human experiences—fragile yet resilient and filled with dignity.”
chernov, who previously won a Pulitzer Prize, also received acclaim for his earlier work “20 Days in Mariupol,” wich earned him an Academy Award in 2024 for best Documentary feature. His latest film debuted at Sundance 2025 where he was honored with the Directing award in the World Documentary section. Additionally, it secured the F:ACT Award for Best Investigative Documentary at CPH:DOX and garnered several accolades at DocuDaysUA.
“2000 Meters to Andriivka” is produced by Frontline PBS in collaboration with The Associated Press and features editing by Michelle Mizner. This project marks another chapter in Chernov’s partnership with prominent documentary producers and distributors,solidifying his status as one of Ukraine’s most recognized filmmakers on an international scale. He is represented by CAA and cinetic Media.
Since 1997, ukraine has submitted films for consideration in this international category but has yet to secure a nomination. Previous entries include Valentyn Vasyanovych’s “Atlantis” (2019), Maryna Er Gorbach and Mehmet Bahadir Er’s “Klondike” (2022), along with Antonio Lukich’s “Luxembourg, Luxembourg” (2023). Notably, “20 Days in Mariupol” made it onto the shortlist within this category.
The shortlist for Best International Feature Film will be revealed on December 16th, followed by announcements of the final five nominees on January 22nd.