Sean Penn missed his third Oscar win in order to visit Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy to support the country’s efforts during their war with Russia.
The veteran star was nominated for Best Actor for his villainous turn in One Battle After Another, the Paul Thomas Anderson comedy-drama that would go on to win Best Picture and Best Director at Sunday’s (March 15) ceremony.
Penn would win the award, but it was accepted by Kieran Culkin on his behalf as he wasn’t in attendance. “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening – or, didn’t want to!” the actor quipped. The absence made headlines, making the actor one of the few Oscars winners who have not been present to pick up their award.
“Sean Penn couldn’t be here tonight, or didn’t want to be, so I’ll be accepting this award on his behalf.”
– Kieran Culkin while presenting Best Supporting Actor at the #Oscars
pic.twitter.com/jMj9yh6hB3— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 16, 2026
Aside from posthumous winners such as Heath Ledger in 2009, famous examples of actors missing their big moment include George C Scott in 1971, who was critical of the Oscars, and Marlon Brando in 1973. The Godfather star rejected his award as a protest of Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans. Sacheen Littlefeather was sent to reject the award in his place, prompting boos from those in attendance.
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. pic.twitter.com/wGneO1rqJI— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 16, 2026
Penn’s reason was revealed to be due to visiting Zelenskyy, who yesterday (March 16) posted a picture of the two in conversation with the caption: “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.”
Sean Penn has been an outspoken political activist, and last year he described US President Donald Trump as lacking “intelligence”, and only valuing the “destruction of things and people” while appearing as a guest on The Louis Theroux Podcast.