The Ukrainian documentary "2000 Meters to Andreyevka," directed by Mstyslav Chernov, has been selected as Ukraine's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, with Conan O'Brien returning as host.
"2000 Meters to Andreyevka" has received significant international recognition. In February 2025, it won the main prize at the DOCU/SVIТ competition during the Docudays UA international documentary film festival. The film also secured the award for best director in the Documentary Film category at the Sundance Film Festival in December 2025 and received the F:ACT award at the CPH:DOX documentary film festival in Copenhagen in April 2025.
The film chronicles the experiences of Ukrainian partisans who liberated a strategically important village from Russian forces. It features journalists accompanying soldiers, documenting their advance through immersive, on-the-ground reporting. The production is a collaboration involving director Mstyslav Chernov, Associated Press photographer Oleksandr Babenko, producers Michelle Mizner and Rein Aronson-Rath, and composer Sam Slettete. Frontline and Associated Press are the producing organizations.
The Academy's selection of "2000 Meters to Andreyevka" highlights the growing influence of Ukrainian cinema globally. The film's journey through festivals and its Oscar submission underscore the power of Ukrainian storytelling. The 98th Academy Awards will implement a new rule requiring voters to watch all nominated films in a category to be eligible for final-round voting, aiming for more informed decisions.