Kuleba calls out what he calls a double standard in the Oscar invitation process, arguing that the decision not to invite Zelensky to speak at the ceremony reveals a striking inconsistency in how the event is run.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba labeled the move as an “example of hypocrisy,” insisting that inviting Zelensky would have been a meaningful moment for the audience and a clear signal about the film industry’s stance on current events. He noted that the decision not to invite the Ukrainian leader undermines the credibility of those organizing the show and calls into question the values the ceremony claims to celebrate. The remarks were reported by Bild am Sonntag, a German newspaper, as part of a broader discussion on the role of cinema in geopolitical conversations.
According to Kuleba, the issue is not the artistic merit of the films themselves but the ethical consistency of the industry leaders who decide who is allowed to speak on such a global stage. He argued that if public figures are welcome to address global audiences at the Oscars, then the criteria used to determine who gets that platform should be transparent and fair. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly stressed the importance of using cultural events to highlight serious international matters, while critics say the absence of Zelensky’s voice at the ceremony sends a mixed message to viewers around the world.
In his comments, Kuleba emphasized that the core concern is about hypocrisy rather than the quality of any particular film. He asserted that the dialogue surrounding the ceremony should reflect real-world events and the values of openness and accountability that the film industry often champions. While he stopped short of criticizing individuals personally, he made a clear case for consistency in how invitations are issued and whom those invitations appear to honor in the context of global affairs.