“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,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, praising actor Sean Penn for his unwavering support.

On March 16, 2026, Sean Penn chose to skip the 2026 Oscars, where he won his third Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Colonel Lockjaw in the film One Battle After Another. Instead, he prioritized a meeting with Zelenskyy in Ukraine, further solidifying his commitment to the country amid ongoing conflict.

Kieran Culkin accepted the award on Penn’s behalf, stating, “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening — or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf.” This absence was part of a series of missed appearances at award shows, including the BAFTAs and Actor Awards, where he also won.

Sean Penn has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale war, a commitment that is reflected in his documentary Superpower, which chronicles his encounters with Zelenskyy. His activism extends beyond filmmaking, as he believes that his work in various fields stems from the same impulse.

In a previous statement, Penn remarked, “I don’t know that I differentiate between getting up in the morning and going to my workshop and building a piece of furniture from going to a movie set and acting or directing a movie, or anything I’ve done working in the NGO space or with the documentary ‘Superpower’.” This perspective underscores his holistic approach to his work and activism.

With his latest win, Penn ties with Daniel Day-Lewis for the most Academy Awards won by an actor, having previously won Best Actor Oscars for Mystic River in 2004 and Milk in 2009. His dedication to Ukraine remains a significant aspect of his public persona.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Penn’s friendship, stating, “You have to weigh risk-benefit on everything – the situation, not oneself.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the country and its allies.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Penn’s future plans, but his actions signal a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine in its time of need.