March 27, 2026

The Film about Putin That Won an Oscar


The Film about Putin That Won an Oscar

When the film “Mr. Nobody against Putin,” which deals with propaganda in Russian schools, was screened in the West, Russian official media, of course, was quick to condemn it as "Russophobic." Now that the film won the 2026 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, it's getting even more attention.

Its main character and co-director, Pavel Talankin, a former employee of a provincial school, has been branded a traitor to the motherland. In addition, Russia's Presidential Council for Human Rights filed a complaint with the Academy Awards organizing committee and UNESCO regarding the use of footage of children without their parents’ consent.

“You have to admit, it’s kind of strange when, in the 21st century, a grown man secretly films children,” a regional newspaper wrote. “By the way, it’s unclear whether he filmed them only while they were dressed. Or did he peek into the boys’ locker room?” An anonymous author called Talankin a “Judas” whom “the whole town is dishing the dirt on.” There were also reports that the relatives of the former school events coordinator were being threatened, and that his mother had even been forced to resign from her job as a librarian at the same school.

The publication New Tab traveled to the city of Karabash to find out if people there really hate Talankin that much. Some Karabash residents reacted sharply to questions about the film, but many, including his former students, spoke warmly of their former neighbor. “He’s a good guy,” said the flower seller who sold Talankin a bouquet for his mother in the film. “It’s his decision, his opinion. Since we’re human beings, we have to respect every opinion, right? You do understand why we don't say anything, don't you?”

Talankin’s mother still works at the school; in an interview the day after the Oscar ceremony, Talankin said that she brought a cake to work that morning to treat her colleagues in celebration of her son’s victory. 

The film and the award caused heated debate in opposition circles, but the Kremlin is largely pretending that nothing happened. The head of the presidential press service said at a briefing with journalists that he could not comment on the film because he hadn’t seen it, and state media simply did not report in the news that a Russian had won an Oscar. Neither federal TV channels nor major news agencies mentioned it. 

However, the propagandists did not present a unified front. While some ignored the American award entirely, others reported on the winners in the other categories and omitted this film. There were also some state-controlled media outlets that reported on the film’s success very briefly, without going into detail. The most original approach came from the Ura.ru, which published a news item titled “A film about president Vladimir Putin won an Oscar.” However, the statement soon disappeared from the site. 

 

You Might Also Like

A Victory for Navalny
  • March 16, 2023

A Victory for Navalny

The Navalny film won the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 95th Academy Awards.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955