Oscar winner's statuette lost after being forced to check it at JFK
Pavel Talankin, who co-directed and acted in the Oscar-winning film 'Mr Nobody Against Putin,' lost his Academy Award due to security rules at John F. Kennedy International Airport. While heading to Germany on Wednesday, he had the trophy in his carry-on, but TSA agents deemed it a possible weapon. Lufthansa staff then placed the Oscar in a box for checked luggage, but it went missing when he arrived in Germany. The airline has apologized and is investigating the situation. Talankin, who has limited English skills, received assistance from executive producer Robin Hessman, who noted he had never faced issues traveling with his Oscar and BAFTA before. The documentary addresses war propaganda following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Talankin is currently in exile in Europe. The BBC has contacted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and TSA for comment.
Key facts
- Pavel Talankin lost his Oscar after being forced to check it at JFK Airport.
- TSA stopped Talankin from bringing the statuette in his carry-on, calling it a potential weapon.
- Lufthansa packed the Oscar in a box for checked baggage; it went missing upon arrival in Germany.
- Talankin had previously flown with the Oscar and BAFTA without issues.
- Executive producer Robin Hessman helped Talankin communicate with TSA.
- The Oscar stands 13.5 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds.
- 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' won Best Feature Documentary at the 2025 Oscars.
- The documentary is banned from three streaming platforms in Russia for alleged extremism.
Entities
Artists
- Pavel Talankin
- Robin Hessman
Institutions
- Lufthansa
- Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
- TSA
- BBC
Locations
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- New York
- Germany
- Russia
- Europe