Sean Penn Wins Third Oscar But Misses Ceremony

The actor was a no-show at the 2026 Academy Awards where he won Best Supporting Actor for "One Battle After Another".

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:41pm

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Sean Penn won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 Academy Awards for his performance in "One Battle After Another," but he was not present at the ceremony to accept the award. This was Penn's third Oscar win, making him only the fourth man in history to achieve that feat. Presenter Kieran Culkin accepted the award on Penn's behalf, saying "He couldn't be here tonight, or he didn't want to." Penn has a history of skipping the Oscars, having missed the ceremony several times in the past when he was nominated.

Why it matters

Sean Penn's absence from the Oscars ceremony, despite winning a prestigious award, is notable given his stature as a celebrated and award-winning actor. His decision not to attend raises questions about his reasons and relationship with the industry's top honors.

The details

Penn won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the villainous Col. Steven J. Lockjaw in "One Battle After Another." He beat out a competitive field that included his co-star Benicio Del Toro, as well as Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, and Stellan Skarsgard. This was Penn's third Oscar win, joining an elite group of only four male actors who have achieved that milestone, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Jack Nicholson, and Walter Brennan.

  • Penn won the Oscar on March 15, 2026.

The players

Sean Penn

A celebrated American actor who has won three Academy Awards, making him only the fourth man in history to achieve that feat.

Kieran Culkin

The actor who presented the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and accepted the award on Penn's behalf.

Benicio Del Toro

Penn's co-star in "One Battle After Another" who was also nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Jacob Elordi

An actor nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Frankenstein".

Delroy Lindo

An actor nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Sinners".

Stellan Skarsgard

An actor nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Sentimental Value".

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What they’re saying

“He couldn't be here tonight, or he didn't want to.”

— Kieran Culkin, Presenter

“I'll give them to Ukraine. They can be melted down to bullets they can shoot at the Russians.”

— Sean Penn

What’s next

Penn's representatives have not yet commented on his absence from the Oscars ceremony.

The takeaway

Sean Penn's decision to skip the Oscars, despite winning his third career acting award, underscores his complex relationship with the industry's top honors. His absence raises questions about his motivations and commitment to the awards show circuit.