“Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening, or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf,” said Kieran Culkin during the Oscars ceremony, where Penn was notably absent despite winning the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in One Battle After Another.
On March 16, 2026, the day after the Oscars, Penn was photographed in Kyiv, underscoring his commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. His absence from the prestigious event aligns him with a historical lineage of celebrities who have skipped the ceremony for various reasons.
Previously, Penn has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine, lending one of his Oscar statuettes to President Volodymyr Zelensky with the promise that it would remain in Kyiv until Ukraine wins the war. This gesture reflects his deep-rooted activism, which has been influenced by his family’s liberal politics; his father was blacklisted from Hollywood in the 1950s.
Sean Penn, now 65, has a history of political and humanitarian activism, having worked in various conflict zones including Iraq and Haiti. His commitment to social causes has often overshadowed his film career, which includes three Academy Awards, with previous wins for Mystic River in 2004 and Milk in 2009.
The last time a winner skipped the Oscars before Penn was in 2024, marking a rare occurrence in the ceremony’s history. Penn’s absence has sparked conversations about the intersection of celebrity culture and political activism.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Penn’s actions and statements are likely to remain in the spotlight. His dedication to the cause has resonated with many, positioning him as a significant figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future statements from Penn or his representatives about his absence at the Oscars. However, his presence in Kyiv suggests that his focus remains on supporting Ukraine during these challenging times.
