One of the more noble things the Oscars can do is pay attention to movies no one knows about. Blockbusters don't need much help.
Criminals were coming to Chechnya from all over the world - they did not have a place in their own countries. But they could live perfectly well in Chechnya.
There is an odd sense of responsibility attached to appearing in a drama about a real piece of history. A work of fiction is fun.