March 16, 2026
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” Wins Oscar for Best Documentary with Story of Propaganda in Russian Schools During Invasion of Ukraine
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” a documentary exploring the proliferation of pro-war propaganda in Russian educational institutions during the invasion of Ukraine, has been honored with the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
TL;DR
- “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
- The film documents the spread of pro-war propaganda in Russian schools during the invasion of Ukraine.
- It was made by Russian teacher Pavel Talankin and American director David Borenstein.
- The film is based on footage shot by Talankin at a school in Karabash, Russia.
- Talankin fled Russia with the footage in 2024, and it was turned into a documentary with Borenstein's help.
- The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025, where it won a Special Jury Award.
- It also won a BAFTA award.
- This is the third consecutive year a film critical of the Russian government has won the Best Documentary Oscar.
- “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, won Best Picture and Best Director.
- Other notable Oscar winners included Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor and Jessie Buckley for Best Actress.