The Oscar for best documentary was presented on Sunday to “Navalny,” a film about the events surrounding the poisoning of Russia’s famously imprisoned opponent, which the Kremlin sees as an attempt to “politicize” the 7th art.
Directed by the Canadian Daniel Roher, this research describes the political rise of Alexej Navalny, who barely survived the assassination attempt and his subsequent imprisonment.
“And there is someone who could not be with us tonight: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny remains in solitary confinement for what he names – I want to make sure I quote his words correctly – Vladimir Putin’s unjust war of aggression in Ukraine.” said Roher upon receiving the statuette.
For its part, the Kremlin accused Hollywood of wanting to “politicize” the 7th art.
“Although I haven’t seen the film, I suspect there is some element of politicization of the issue,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
“Hollywood itself is sometimes not afraid to politicize its works,” he added.
AFP
Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Putin’s political opponent, has been in prison in Russia for more than two years.
Mr Navalny, who was imprisoned for more than two years, was arrested on his return to Russia after suffering the severe poisoning, which he, despite his denials, blames on the Kremlin.
Last March, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for “fraud,” which he believes was fabricated.
“My husband is in jail just for telling the truth. My husband is in prison just for defending democracy,” the opponent’s wife, Julia, clarified on Sunday.
Produced by HBO Max and CNN Films, “Navalny” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2022.
In February 2023 he was awarded the prize for the best documentary film at the Bafta in London.