Sean Penn Skips Oscars to Meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Called "True Friend"

Actor Sean Penn chose to travel to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instead of attending the Oscars ceremony, where he won the Best Supporting Actor award. Zelenskyy posted a photo of their meeting at the presidential office, thanking Penn for his steadfast support since the full-scale war began. Penn's win for 'One Battle After Another' marks his third Academy Award, having previously won for 'Mystic River' and 'Milk'. The actor was nominated this year alongside performers like Benicio del Toro and Stellan Skarsgard.

Key Points: Sean Penn Meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine, Skips Oscars

  • Skipped Oscars for Kyiv meeting
  • Zelenskyy shared photo on X
  • Penn praised as wartime ally
  • Marked Penn's third Oscar win
  • Nominated alongside major actors
2 min read

Sean Penn meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine after skipping Oscars, calls him "true fiend"

Actor Sean Penn traveled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, skipping the Oscars where he won Best Supporting Actor.

Sean Penn meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine after skipping Oscars, calls him "true fiend"
"Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is. - Volodymyr Zelenskyy"

Los Angeles, March 16

Actor Sean Penn, on Sunday, made headlines after he skipped the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles even though he had won an award earlier that night.

The Hollywood star won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the film 'One Battle After Another.' However, instead of attending the big event held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Penn seems to have travelled to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian President, on Monday, took to his X to share a picture from a meeting that took place at the presidential office in Kyiv's heavily guarded government district. In the photo, the Ukrainian leader can be seen talking with Penn, who was dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans.

Along with the picture, Zelenskyy also wrote a caption thanking the actor for standing with Ukraine during the war. Calling him a "true friend," the Ukrainian leader wrote, "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. And we know that you will continue to stand with our country and our people."

Take a look

In the Oscars race this year, Penn was nominated alongside actors Benicio del Toro, Stellan Skarsgard, Delroy Lindo, and Jacob Elordi.

This marked Penn's third Academy Award win. He earlier won the Best Actor award for his performances in Mystic River in 2004 and Milk in 2009. Over the years, he has also received nominations in the same category for films such as Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, and I Am Sam.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the gesture, I can't help but think of the optics. A Hollywood star flying into a war zone for a photo-op? I hope his visit brings tangible aid and awareness, not just headlines. Our own borders need this kind of unwavering support too.
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Aditya G
Actions speak louder than awards. Respect for Sean Penn! In a world full of shallow glamour, choosing to stand with people suffering is the real achievement. Zelenskyy calling him a "true friend" means more than any Oscar statue.
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Sarah B
Interesting choice. I wonder if the other nominees felt he was disrespecting the Academy by not showing up? Still, it's a powerful statement. The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of how fragile peace is everywhere, including in our own region.
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Karthik V
As an Indian, I see this and think about our own celebrities. How many would skip a major award function to visit our soldiers at the border or a conflict zone? Different context, but the principle of prioritizing solidarity over personal glory is universal. Food for thought.
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Nisha Z
True friendship is shown in difficult times. Zelenskyy's words are touching. The world needs to see more of this humanity. It also makes me appreciate the peace we have and the sacrifices made to protect it. Jai Hind.

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