Ukraine’s leadership responded to a controversial moment at the Oscars, where President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to speak. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba criticized the Oscar organizers in an interview with a major German newspaper, arguing that the film awards appear to overlook the real, ongoing human cost of the war when celebrations continue with champagne, formal attire, and luxury. He urged reflection on the contrast between the festivities and the immediate tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.
All Quiet on the Western Front, the 2023 film adaptation based on Erich Maria Remarque’s renowned anti-war novel, earned a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. The film, released on a well-known streaming platform, joins a long lineage of cinema that portrays the brutal realities of war and its lasting impact on individuals and societies.
Earlier reporting from Variety indicated that Zelensky chose not to give a live performance or appearance at the ceremony. According to sources connected to a major Hollywood talent agency, an attempt was made to permit a video message from the Ukrainian president, but the request was denied without publicly disclosed reasons.
Historical patterns show Zelensky’s earlier Oscar interactions, including nominations in 2022 that did not culminate in a performance at the event. A prominent Hollywood producer commented on perceived biases in how far the industry is willing to engage with Ukraine, suggesting that attention may shift when the spotlight reflects different racial or geopolitical contexts. The broader narrative, however, includes Zelensky’s speeches at other high-profile cultural events in the preceding year, underscoring a sustained public diplomacy effort amid ongoing conflict.
Around the same period, the Grammy Awards aired a video message from Ukraine’s leader, reinforcing calls for international support and urging audiences not to stay silent. The message was followed by live performances from a well-known American artist and Ukrainian musicians, illustrating a moment where music and diplomacy intersected in a global stage.
Beyond global entertainment venues, Ukraine’s leadership has repeatedly leveraged major cultural platforms to communicate the realities of war and the resilience of its people. In Cannes, a separate gesture drew attention to humanitarian rescue efforts, with recognition given to a four-legged rescue assistant. This moment was framed by statements from the national emergency service, highlighting the season’s blend of art, courage, and everyday heroism as a form of national storytelling.
In the ongoing conversation about international cinema and political visibility, the Oscars remain a focal point for debates on representation, timing, and the responsibilities of the awards industry when confronted with real-world tragedy. Critics and supporters alike continue to weigh the impact of performances, messages, and nominations in shaping global sympathy, awareness, and action. The Ukrainian experience, threaded through these ceremonies, offers a case study in how cultural events intersect with international diplomacy and humanitarian concerns, reminding audiences that film is not merely entertainment but a mirror reflecting current events, moral questions, and human endurance.