Two Ukrainian films have advanced to the Academy Awards 2026 shortlists, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Dec. 16, releasing shortlists in 12 categories.
The documentary “2000 Meters to Andriivka” by Mstyslav Chernov was shortlisted in the Documentary Feature Film category, while the animated documentary “I Died in Irpin” by Anastasiia Falileieva made the shortlist for Animated Short Film. Also included among shortlisted titles is “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” a BAFTA-winning short film featuring Ukrainian actors.
Being shortlisted does not guarantee a nomination. Final Oscar nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Chernov’s “2000 Meters to Andriivka” follows Ukrainian soldiers from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade as they fight to liberate the village of Andriivka, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Bakhmut. Filmed alongside soldier Oleksandr Babenko, the documentary traces frontline advances and the human cost of Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
Ukraine also submitted the film in the International Feature Film category, but it did not advance to the shortlist in that category.
Chernov previously won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2024 for “20 Days in Mariupol.” Like that film, “2000 Meters to Andriivka” was produced in partnership between the Associated Press and Frontline (PBS), the longest-running investigative documentary series in the United States.
Falileieva’s “I Died in Irpin,” an 11-minute animated documentary, blends charcoal-drawn animation with the director’s personal archival materials. The film recounts the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion through Falileieva’s own experience in the Kyiv suburb of Irpin, which became a symbol of civilian suffering early in the war.
In the Live Action Short Film category, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” directed by Franz Böhm and centered on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, also made the shortlist. The film has previously received a BAFTA award.
Several other Ukraine-related films appeared on qualification lists but did not advance to the final shortlists, including “Sanatorium,” “Stitched Steps,” “Checkpoint ‘Zoo,’” and “Viktor.”