Sean Penn Chooses Kyiv Over Oscars in Show of Support for Ukraine
While Hollywood's elite gathered at the Dolby Theatre for the 2026 Academy Awards, Sean Penn, who had just won his third Oscar, was notably absent. Instead of celebrating his Best Supporting Actor victory for One Battle After Another, the 65-year-old actor was en route to Ukraine, underscoring his deep commitment to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian cause.
A Surprising Absence at the Oscars
Kieran Culkin, last year's Best Supporting Actor winner, accepted the award on Penn's behalf, joking that the star "couldn't be here this evening, or didn't want to." Reports from The New York Times confirmed Penn's plans to travel to Europe, specifically Ukraine, though details of his itinerary remained undisclosed. On Monday, an AFP reporter spotted Penn in Kyiv, highlighting his decision to forgo Hollywood glamour for a war-torn nation.
Penn's Unwavering Activism and Bond with Zelensky
This visit is not an isolated gesture. Penn has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022, even lending one of his Oscar statuettes to Zelensky with the promise that it would remain in Kyiv until victory. He once suggested melting down his awards to make "bullets they can shoot at the Russians," reflecting his intense dedication.
Penn's activism spans decades, rooted in his family's liberal politics. His father, Leo Penn, was blacklisted in the 1950s for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Penn Jr. emerged as an outspoken critic during the Iraq War, placed rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and established a major refugee camp in Haiti post-earthquake, earning praise for his hands-on approach.
From Documentary Project to Lasting Friendship
Penn's involvement with Ukraine began as a potential documentary project on Zelensky's rise from comedian to president. Delayed by the pandemic, filming started in late 2021. Penn and Zelensky first met on February 23, 2022, just before Russia's invasion. The war transformed the project into a serious portrayal of conflict, with Penn documenting the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Their friendship deepened over time. In 2022, Penn gifted Zelensky an Oscar, receiving Ukraine's Order of Merit in return. He has consistently praised Zelensky's leadership, especially after a tense 2025 meeting with former President Donald Trump, calling the Ukrainian leader "constantly, extemporaneously genuine."
Mixed Reactions and Continued Commitment
Penn's documentary, Superpower, premiered in 2023 to mixed reviews. While some applauded its heartfelt depiction of Ukraine, others criticized it for centering Penn himself. Despite this, Penn has maintained his support, visiting Ukrainian special forces and appearing at Cannes with soldiers. His latest trip to Kyiv, skipping the Oscars, demonstrates his preference for direct action over symbolic gestures.
A senior Ukrainian official noted, "It's his personal visit... he just wants to support Ukraine." As Penn continues his unique form of activism, he remains a key American ally for Zelensky, blending celebrity influence with steadfast advocacy in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
