CPJ Welcomes Oscar Nomination for Documentary on U.S. Journalist Killed in Russia-Ukraine War

February 12, 2026 – USA –

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has welcomed the Oscar nomination for a documentary film chronicling the life and death of an American journalist who was killed while reporting on the war in Ukraine, hailing the recognition as an important spotlight on the dangers faced by journalists covering conflict zones. The nod from the Academy Awards comes as press freedom organisations amplify calls to protect journalists worldwide.

The documentary, titled Bearing Witness, tells the story of Pierre “Pete” Johnson, a U.S. freelance reporter and war correspondent who was killed by a Russian artillery strike in Donetsk Oblast while covering frontline operations in late 2024. Johnson was widely admired for bringing firsthand reporting from active combat areas in Ukraine and for his commitment to documenting the human impact of the war.

In a statement marking the nomination announcement, CPJ’s leadership said the film’s recognition by the Academy underscores the essential role of independent journalism in conflict settings and honours the sacrifices made by reporters like Johnson. The organisation described Bearing Witness as “a powerful testament to the courage of journalists working in harm’s way” and said it hopes the nomination will draw broader attention to ongoing threats to press freedom in Ukraine and other war zones.

The documentary combines archival footage, interviews with Johnson’s colleagues and family members, and frontline reporting to trace his journey from newsroom to war correspondent. The film also reflects on the personal and professional risks undertaken by journalists in areas of active conflict, highlighting the profound impact on families and communities when media workers are killed or injured.

CPJ noted that the nomination could help promote global awareness of the broader patterns of violence against journalists, where reporters are injured, detained, or killed while performing their duties. According to CPJ’s own research, dozens of journalists have been killed in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, and many more have faced injury, detention, or harassment — a stark reminder of the heightened risks of frontline reporting.

Press freedom advocates also pointed out that the Academy’s recognition places a spotlight on the importance of telling journalists’ stories and preserving their legacies as a means to honour their contributions and to inspire future generations of reporters. The nomination of Bearing Witness — which falls in the Best Documentary Feature category — is expected to generate renewed discussion about the intersection of journalism, conflict, and artistic storytelling.

The Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 2026, will include Bearing Witness among the contenders, and CPJ said it hopes the film’s exposure at the event will reinforce public understanding of the essential function journalists play in documenting crises and holding power to account, even under extreme danger.

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CPJ welcomes Oscar nomination for documentary about US journalist killed in Russia-Ukraine war