The documentary film «2000 Meters to Andriivka» has been selected as Ukraine's representative for the 98th Academy Awards in the category of «Best International Feature Film».
This was confirmed by the Ukrainian Oscar Committee on social media.
«This film is a profound and honest reflection of the realities of the Russo-Ukrainian war, showcasing human experiences filled with dignity and suffering. It aims to be an important voice for those who fight daily for freedom and the right to live,» the committee stated.
«2000 Meters to Andriivka» reveals the consequences of the war through personal stories and painful experiences.
The director focuses on Ukrainian soldiers - their backgrounds, and the difficult decisions they make in defense of their homeland.
«In the context of the unsuccessful counteroffensive in 2023, Chernov and his colleague Oleksiy Babenko follow a Ukrainian brigade attempting to navigate through 2000 meters of fortified forest to liberate the village of Andriivka. Combining original footage and intense body-camera videos, the film shows that the further soldiers advance through their ravaged homeland, the more they realize that this war may have no end,» the committee noted.
The world premiere of the film took place at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, where it won the award for Best Direction in the World Cinema Documentary category.
The film also successfully premiered at the Docudays UA festival, winning in three categories. Starting August 28, it was released for general viewing in Ukraine.
«It is an honor for us to represent Ukraine at the Oscars. We strive to ensure that the voices of Ukrainians and military personnel are heard, especially amidst ongoing hostilities,» Chernov commented.
The committee, consisting of 12 experts, made this decision based on a vote by members of the Ukrainian Film Academy.
The shortlist of 15 films in the «Best International Feature Film» category will be announced on December 16, 2025, with the five nominees revealed on January 22, 2026. The award ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.
The committee received eight applications for consideration, including films such as «Bucha», «Diviya», and others.
