A film about Syria's White Helmets -- rescuers who risk their lives to help save civilians -- took home the Oscar for best documentary short on Sunday (February 26th), AFP reported.

The Netflix-produced film, "The White Helmets," was directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, and bested another short about the Syrian conflict, "Watani: My Homeland".

Raed Saleh, leader of the rescue group, said in a statement that the White Helmets had saved the lives of more than 82,000 civilians.

"I invite anyone here who hears me to work on the side of life, to stop the bloodshed in Syria and around the world," he said in a statement read by the director.

"It is very easy for these guys to feel forgotten. This war has been going on for six years," he said.

The White Helmets emerged in 2013, working to rescue civilians in opposition-held areas.

Before fighting broke out, the volunteers had everyday jobs -- bakers, painters and even students. Since 2013, the group says it has attracted more than 3,000 volunteers.

It is named for the distinctive white hard hats worn by its volunteers and has gained international renown for its daring rescues, often filmed and circulated on social media.

The group's motto, "To save one life is to save all of humanity," is drawn from a verse of the Qur'an, although the rescuers insist they treat all victims, regardless of religion.

The White Helmets were nominated for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize and garnered international support for their candidacy, though they ultimately lost out.