Full Breakdown
Sean Penn Skips Oscars to Support Ukraine, Wins Best Supporting Actor
3/17/2026, 12:30:28 PM
Sean Penn's Absence from the Oscars
American actor Sean Penn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film *One Battle After Another* during the 2026 Oscars held on March 15. However, he was notably absent from the ceremony, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Kieran Culkin, last year's winner in the same category, announced Penn's win, stating, "Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening, or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf."
Penn's Commitment to Ukraine
Instead of attending the Oscars, Penn traveled to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 16. Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged Penn's support, stating, "Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is. You have stood with Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale war. This is still true today." Penn's commitment to Ukraine has been longstanding; he has visited the country multiple times since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, and he co-directed the documentary *Superpower*, which chronicles Zelenskyy's leadership during the war.
Background on Penn's Activism
Penn's activism for Ukraine has included significant gestures, such as gifting one of his Oscars to Zelenskyy in 2022. He has also been vocal about his support for the Ukrainian cause, previously expressing intentions to melt down his Oscars to create ammunition for Ukraine, although he later clarified that he would not follow through with that plan. His humanitarian organization, CORE Response, has provided financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
Official Statements & Responses
Zelenskyy’s message on social media highlighted the depth of their friendship and Penn's unwavering support for Ukraine. "We know that you will continue to stand with our country and our people," he added. This sentiment reflects Penn's ongoing commitment to advocating for Ukraine on the global stage, which has been a central theme in his recent work.
Criticism & Opposition
While Penn's activism has garnered praise, it has also drawn criticism. Some observers have pointed out that his absence from major awards ceremonies, including the BAFTAs and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, raises questions about his relationship with Hollywood and the Academy. His previous comments about the Oscars, including a critique of the Academy for not allowing Zelenskyy to speak at the 2022 ceremony, have also sparked debate regarding the intersection of celebrity and activism.
Conclusion
Sean Penn's decision to skip the 2026 Oscars to support Ukraine underscores his commitment to humanitarian efforts amid ongoing conflict. His win for *One Battle After Another* marks his third Academy Award, placing him among a select group of actors with three Oscars. As he continues to advocate for Ukraine, Penn's actions reflect a blending of his artistic career with his activism, positioning him as a prominent figure in both realms.
