20 Days in Mariupoldirector Mstyslav Chernov gave a powerful speech while accepting theOscarfor Best Documentary Feature.

The film chronicles the chaos and brutality of the war.

This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, and Im honored, Chernov told the crowd.

Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov (C), flanked by (from L) Raney Aronson-Rath, Vasilisa Stepanenko, Evgeniy Maloletka and Michelle Mizner, accepts the award for Best Documentary Feature Film for “20 Days in Mariupol” onstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 10, 2024

‘20 Days in Mariupol’ director Mstyslav Chernov (center) accepts the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

But I cannot change the history.

I cannot change the past.

And the people of Mariupol and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten.

Cinema forms memories, and memories form history."

20 Days in Mariupolpremiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023, earning rave reviews.