The reason behind Sean Penn’s Oscars no-show

Sean Penn — the acclaimed actor known for films like Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, I Am Sam, Mystic River, and Milk — has just won his third Academy Award.

He took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, the big winner of the 98th Academy Awards. But in a surprise that left many viewers puzzled, Penn didn’t show up to the ceremony. It’s not the first time he’s skipped a major awards show, and according to The New York Times, this time he was on his way to Europe — specifically, Ukraine.

A pattern of high‑profile absences

Penn was the only Oscar nominee who didn’t attend this year’s ceremony. He also skipped the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the BAFTAs earlier this year, despite winning at both. So why the no‑show streak? The New York Times reports that Penn has been trying to get back to Ukraine, a country he’s developed a close relationship with in recent years.

Penn has repeatedly described Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s invasion as “the spearhead of the democratic defense of our dreams,” adding that if the country is left to fight alone, “our essence as the United States will be lost.”

During one of his visits in 2022, he even handed one of his Oscars to President Volodymyr Zelensky, leaving it in Kyiv until Ukraine prevails. “This is yours,” Penn told him. “It’s just a symbolic thing. Knowing it’s here makes me feel better and gives me more strength to fight. When you win, you can bring it back to Malibu.”

Penn has gone so far as to say he considered melting down his two Oscars to turn them into ammunition for Ukraine’s defense. He also filmed a documentary about the Russian invasion.

Not his first Oscar snub

Despite his long Hollywood career, Penn has a history of skipping the Academy Awards. He didn’t attend when he was nominated in 1996, 2000, or 2002. He only showed up when he won Best Actor for Mystic River in 2004 and again for Milk in 2009. In the case of Mystic River, he later said he felt “embarrassed” watching director Clint Eastwood accept his Golden Globe on his behalf that same year.

Penn, now 65, has long been outspoken on political and social issues. After winning the Oscar for Milk, he used his acceptance speech to defend LGBTQ+ rights and criticized those “who voted to ban same‑sex marriage,” urging them to reflect on the shame they might one day see “in the eyes of their grandchildren.”

A third Oscar puts him ahead of the pack

With his latest win, Penn beat out fellow Best Supporting Actor nominees Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Delroy Lindo (The Sinners), and his own co‑star Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another).

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.