Czech-Danish co-production Mr. Nobody Against Putin wins Oscar for Best Documentary

The 2026 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature went to the Czech-Danish co-production Mr. Nobody Against Putin. The film examines the impact of wartime propaganda in Russian schools during Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The footage was shot by Pavel Talankin, a teacher at a Russian primary school, who was tasked with implementing a new wartime education plan that included special lessons and the organization of propaganda events for schoolchildren. Frustrated with the situation, the teacher decided to keep the camera running, documenting not only the state-mandated activities but also everyday life in and around the school. Around the same time he met director David Borenstein, and together they found a way to smuggle the recorded material out of Russia.

The film had its world premiere at the World Cinema Documentary section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on 25 January, where it won the Special Jury Award. It also won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

According to the Czech producers, the award sends a message encouraging people not to be intimidated by lawlessness.