Ukraine’s devastating 20 Days in Mariupol wins BAFTA for Best Documentary

The New Voice of Ukraine
·2 min read
The BAFTA Award was presented in London
The BAFTA Award was presented in London
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Mstyslav Chernov’s powerful documentary 20 Days in Mariupol claimed the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Documentary at a ceremony in London’s Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 18.

The film portrays Russia’s advance into the city and documents several war crimes the aggressor country perpetrated in the early days of its full-scale invasion. Chernov’s team was the only internationally accredited journalists in the city at the time.

Mstyslav Chernov with the BAFTA award <span class="copyright">REUTERS/Hollie Adams</span>
Mstyslav Chernov with the BAFTA award REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Christopher Nolan's drama Oppenheimer was the big winner of the night, taking home seven awards, including Best Director, Best Leading Actor, and the coveted Best Film.

Cillian Murphy, the lead actor in the film Oppenheimer <span class="copyright">REUTERS/Hollie Adams</span>
Cillian Murphy, the lead actor in the film Oppenheimer REUTERS/Hollie Adams

The German-language historical war drama The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer, claimed Best British Film, as well as Best Sound, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Foreign Language Film, over Ukraine’s 20 Days in Mariupol. Set in Poland, the UK, and the USA, the film is based on British author Martin Amis' novel about concentration camp commander Rudolf Höss and features acclaimed German actress Sandra Hüller in a leading role. It will be released in Ukraine on Feb. 22.

The Zone of Interest is directed by Jonathan Glazer and produced by James Wilson <span class="copyright">REUTERS/Hollie Adams</span>
The Zone of Interest is directed by Jonathan Glazer and produced by James Wilson REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Emma Stone won the Best Actress BAFTA for her role in the buzz-worthy Poor Things, which also picked up four technical awards.

Emma Stone, the performer of the main role in the film Poor Things <span class="copyright">REUTERS/Hollie Adams</span>
Emma Stone, the performer of the main role in the film Poor Things REUTERS/Hollie Adams

BAFTA 2024 winners:

  • Best Film: Oppenheimer

  • Best British Film: The Zone of Interest

  • Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Earth Mama

  • Best Foreign Language Film: The Zone of Interest

  • Best Documentary: 20 Days in Mariupol

  • Best Animation: The Boy and the Heron

  • Best Director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer

  • Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson for American Fiction

  • Best Original Screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall

  • Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. for Oppenheimer

  • Best Supporting Actress: Davine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers

  • Best Original Music: Ludwig Göransson for Oppenheimer

  • Best Costume Design: Poor Things

  • Best Production Design: Poor Things

  • Best Special Visual Effects: Poor Things

  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Poor Things

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine