“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” Wins Best Documentary Oscar, Directors Reflect on Political Win
Copenhagen was filled with national pride as Danish producer Helle Faber’s “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” unexpectedly won the Best Documentary Oscar on March 15, 2026, just five days after the ceremony. The film, directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin, follows Talankin’s work at a school in Karabash, Russia, documenting the Putin administration’s efforts to control public perception during the Russo-Ukrainian war.
An Upset Victory
The win was considered an upset, as “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” triumphed over Netflix-backed favorite “The Perfect Neighbor.” Faber described the campaign as “grassroots,” relying on free screenings and a strong digital presence due to limited financial resources. “We had to create it happen with people who just wanted to support us,” she said.
From Sundance to the Oscars
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” premiered at the World Cinema Documentary section of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, where it won the Special Jury Award. The film has garnered critical acclaim, but also sparked discussion regarding its portrayal of opposition to Putin within Russia.
A Political Acceptance Speech
Director David Borenstein delivered the most openly political acceptance speech of the evening, stating the film is about “how you lose your country.” He elaborated on this, explaining that this loss occurs through “countless small little acts of complicity,” and urged viewers to find their voices, even if they feel powerless.
Concerns About Media Consolidation
Borenstein expressed concerns about the media landscape in America, particularly the recently announced Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal. He warned that the scale of media consolidation is happening faster in the U.S. Than it did in Russia during Putin’s early years, and emphasized the importance of protecting institutions. He also highlighted the difficulty of securing funding for politically sensitive projects in America, which led him to film in Denmark, where he found support from public institutions.
The Power of European Co-Production
Both Faber and Borenstein emphasized the strength of the European co-production model, which allowed them to create the film despite limited resources. The film is a collaboration between Made in Copenhagen (Denmark), Pink (Czech Republic), and various European broadcasters and film funds, including the BBC, ZDF, and ARTE. Faber underscored the importance of public institutions in supporting independent filmmaking and safeguarding democracy and freedom of speech.
Key Facts About “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”
- Directors: David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin
- Producer: Helle Faber
- Release Date: January 25, 2025 (Sundance Film Festival), March 22, 2025 (Denmark)
- Running Time: 90 minutes
- Box Office: $613,654
- Awards: Best Documentary at the 79th British Academy Film Awards and Best Documentary Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of independent journalism and the courage of individuals who speak truth to power, even in the face of adversity. The film’s success highlights the growing demand for documentaries that tackle complex political issues and challenge established narratives.