From Mr Nobody to Oscar winner: How one man took on Putin

Pavel Talankin's film Mr Nobody Against Putin already won a Bafta, and is now is an Oscar winner.

Mr Nobody Against Putin wins the best documentary Oscar

Primary school teacher Pavel Talankin’s record of the indoctrination of his pupils to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine beats contenders Mr Nobody Against Putin, a primary school teacher’s record of the indoctrination of his pupils to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has won the Oscar for best documentary in Los Angeles. Pavel Talankin, who is now in exile in Europe, picked up the award alongside the film’s American co-director, David Borenstein. It beat favourite The Perfect Neighbor...

By Catherine Shoard

Oscars 2026: ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ wins award for Best Documentary Feature

The award for Best Documentary Short went to All The Empty Rooms by Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones.

Oscar Shocker: ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ Pulls Off Huge Upset In Best Documentary Film Category

Mr. Nobody Against Putin, the documentary about a mild-mannered Russian educator who defied the Kremlin, pulled off a huge upset at the Academy Awards tonight, winning Best Documentary Feature over favorites The Perfect Neighbor and Come See Me in the Good Light. The film directed by David Borenstein and co-directed by Pavel “Pasha” Talankin (the […]

By Matthew Carey