Sean Penn Skips Oscars, Visits Ukraine to Meet Zelenskyy

Sean Penn made headlines by skipping the 98th Academy Awards ceremony despite winning his third Oscar trophy for Best Supporting Actor in 'One Battle After Another.'

“American actor Sean Penn won the 2026 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, but he was not present at the Academy ceremony”

El Financiero

The Oscar winner, who had previously won Best Actor for 'Mystic River' and 'Milk,' was conspicuously absent from Hollywood's biggest night.

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Presenter Kieran Culkin accepted the award on his behalf and even joked about Penn's absence on stage.

Reports indicate Penn had already departed the United States ahead of the ceremony.

He prioritized humanitarian and political engagement over attending the awards show.

Multiple sources confirmed his travel arrangements and destination.

Upon his arrival in Ukraine, Penn was spotted by Agence France-Presse reporters in central Kyiv on March 16.

He was seen stepping out of a black car while wearing sunglasses and carrying a box of cigarettes.

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Later that afternoon, he met with President Zelenskyy at the Ukrainian president's office.

Zelenskyy publicly celebrated the meeting by sharing a photograph on social media.

In the caption, Zelenskyy called Penn 'a true friend of Ukraine'.

He acknowledged Penn's steadfast support since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that Penn's solidarity has continued 'to this day'.

Penn's current visit represents part of a broader pattern of sustained support for Ukraine.

This extends back to the early days of the conflict since war outbreak.

He has made multiple trips to Kyiv during the ongoing conflict.

He consistently expresses solidarity with President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian people.

He co-directed a documentary chronicling Zelenskyy's transformation from comedian to wartime leader.

The film premiered at 2023 Berlin Film Festival.

It portrays the Ukrainian president with admiration.

Penn used high-profile platforms to advocate for Western support.

He made passionate appeal at 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

He posed for photos with Ukrainian soldiers there.

One of Penn's most symbolic gestures occurred during his 2022 visit to Ukraine.

He gifted one of his Oscar trophies to President Zelenskyy as a token of solidarity.

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He asked Zelenskyy to return the prestigious award once Ukraine achieves victory.

This symbolic exchange captured international attention.

It represents both a personal gesture and a political statement.

The trophy represents one of Hollywood's highest honors.

It now serves as a reminder of Penn's commitment to Ukraine's cause.

It shows his willingness to part with personal achievements for the war-torn nation.

Penn's decision to skip the Oscars ceremony represents a rare occurrence in Hollywood history.

“EnglishWorld Sean Penn Skips Oscars, Visits Ukraine to Meet Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Calls Oscar Winner a 'True Friend' Amid War Support By Kim Ga-yeon Published 2026”

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This is particularly true for a winner in a major acting category.

El Financiero

While absences from the Academy Awards are not unprecedented, they are uncommon for actors who have just received competitive awards.

This is especially true when they are expected to attend and make acceptance speeches.

Penn's choice demonstrates his prioritization of more urgent international matters.

He chose these over traditional obligations of Hollywood's most celebrated night.

He reportedly traveled to Ukraine via a discreet train journey.

This was arranged specifically for this purpose.

It underscores his commitment to maintaining a low profile while supporting Ukrainian people.