President Zelenskyy Thanks Sean Penn for Visiting Ukraine While Skipping the Oscars

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Sean Penn won his third Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor, for his powerful performance as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in the film One Battle After Another. However, instead of attending the awards ceremony on March 15th, Penn chose to be in Ukraine, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

President Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged Sean Penn’s support for Ukraine by sharing a photo of their meeting and expressing his deep appreciation. Zelenskyy wrote, “Thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is.” He added that Penn has stood with Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war and will continue to do so. The award was presented by Kieran Culkin, who accepted it on Penn’s behalf with a humorous comment: “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening — or didn’t want to.” Penn, a previous Best Actor winner for films like Mystic River and Milk, has been absent from most awards shows this year, including the BAFTAs and the Actor Awards, despite winning at both.

Sean, we truly appreciate your unwavering friendship and support for Ukraine. You’ve been with us from the very beginning of the war, and continue to stand by our side. We’re grateful for your continued commitment to Ukraine and its people.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 16, 2026

Sean Penn’s recent quiet period aligns with his thoughts on how his filmmaking and humanitarian efforts connect. At the Lumiere Film Festival, he shared that he sees no real difference between his creative and activist drives. He explained that whether he’s building furniture, directing a film, or working on a humanitarian project, his aim is always to make a positive contribution. He also acknowledged that this work requires carefully weighing the potential risks involved.

After winning his third Oscar, Sean Penn is planning to direct a new movie starring Tom Hardy. Production is expected to begin this summer. This will be Penn’s first time directing since the 2021 film Flag Day, and the collaboration is generating a lot of excitement due to the strong creative reputations of both Penn and Hardy.

The film One Battle After Another dominated the Oscars, winning six awards, including Best Picture and marking the first Best Director win for Paul Thomas Anderson. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a former revolutionary, alongside Benicio del Toro and Teyana Taylor. Critics have praised the film’s grand scope and its insightful look at today’s political landscape.

Sean Penn continues to balance his filmmaking with his humanitarian work, solidifying his reputation as a bold and unique figure in Hollywood. His documentary, Superpower, which captured the beginning of the Ukraine invasion and his growing friendship with President Zelenskyy, remains a key part of how the public sees him as both an artist and an activist. From crafting furniture to documenting world events, Penn continues to be a distinctive and influential figure in modern culture.

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2026-03-17 14:45