Denmark has officially stepped into the 2026 Academy Awards arena, choosing a politically charged documentary over lighter fare for its Oscar bid. The nation has selected David Borenstein’s Sundance Festival-winning film, *Mr. Nobody Against Putin*, as its official entry for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature category.
This gripping documentary shines a spotlight on a daring Russian primary school teacher who takes a stand against Vladimir Putin’s propaganda machine. By clandestinely filming classroom activities, the educator exposes how the Kremlin systematically indoctrinates young minds with misinformation and agitprop, shaping them into future foot soldiers for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The film previously earned acclaim by securing the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Prize at Sundance, underscoring its international resonance.
Denmark’s choice comes at the cost of two more high-profile Danish contenders: Anders Thomas Jensen’s *The Last Viking*, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas, and Jeanette Nordahl’s *Beginnings*, featuring Trine Dyrholm and David Dencik.
*Mr. Nobody Against Putin* was co-directed by Borenstein and Pasha Talankin, with Helle Faber producing under the Made in Copenhagen banner. DR Sales is handling its international distribution.
Denmark boasts a storied and celebrated Oscar legacy, with four previous victories in the same category: Gabriel Axel’s *Babette’s Feast*, Bille August’s *Pelle the Conqueror*, Susanne Bier’s *In a Better World*, and Thomas Vinterberg’s *Another Round*. Most recently, the country secured a nomination with Magnus von Horn’s *The Girl with the Needle*.
The Academy will unveil its shortlist of 15 international contenders on December 16, followed by the final nominations on January 22. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to dazzle audiences on March 15 at Los Angeles’ iconic Dolby Theatre.
