Sean Penn Skips Oscars to Visit Ukraine

The actor has a long history of activism and a close relationship with President Zelensky.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sean Penn won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in the film 'One Battle After Another,' but he skipped the Oscars ceremony to travel to Ukraine instead. Penn has spent significant time in the country since 2022, when he filmed a documentary about Russia's invasion. The actor has a long history of activism and a close friendship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to whom he has gifted one of his Oscars.

Why it matters

Penn's decision to forgo the Oscars in favor of visiting Ukraine highlights his ongoing commitment to the country and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has developed a close relationship. Penn's activism and political involvement have been a consistent part of his public persona, and his actions reflect the importance he places on using his platform to support causes he believes in.

The details

Sean Penn won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film 'One Battle After Another.' However, he skipped the Oscars ceremony and instead traveled to Europe, with the plan as of late last week to visit Ukraine. Penn has a long history of activism, including opposing the Iraq War, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and providing disaster relief. He has also formed a friendship with President Zelensky and has gifted him one of his Oscars, saying Zelensky can return it when the war is won.

  • Sean Penn won the Academy Award for best supporting actor on March 15, 2026.
  • Penn skipped the Oscars ceremony and traveled to Europe, with the plan to visit Ukraine as of late last week.

The players

Sean Penn

A 65-year-old American actor who has won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in the film 'One Battle After Another.' Penn has a long history of activism and a close relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Volodymyr Zelensky

The president of Ukraine, with whom Sean Penn has developed a close friendship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost.”

— Sean Penn

What’s next

It is unclear what specific plans Sean Penn has for his visit to Ukraine, but his close relationship with President Zelensky suggests he may be there to provide support or advocacy for the country's ongoing conflict with Russia.

The takeaway

Sean Penn's decision to skip the Oscars in favor of visiting Ukraine underscores his long-standing commitment to activism and using his platform to support causes he believes in, particularly his close relationship with the Ukrainian president and the country's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.