Sean Penn Skips Oscars, Visits War-Torn Ukraine

Sean Penn was conspicuously absent from the 2026 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre. His absence coincided with reports that he was visiting Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged Penn's support, stating, "Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is." Zelenskyy highlighted Penn's consistent backing since the full-scale war began and expressed confidence in his continued support.

Penn, who has been friends with Zelenskyy for years, released the documentary "Superpower" in 2023, chronicling Zelenskyy's rise to power and leadership during the conflict with Russia. He previously spoke about his multifaceted activism in 2025, equating his work in NGOs and filmmaking to building furniture, emphasizing a desire to add value. The Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar, which Penn won for his role in "One Battle After Another," was accepted on his behalf by Kieran Culkin. Other nominees in the category included Jacob Elordi, Stellan Skarsgård, Delroy Lindo, and Benicio del Toro.