“He couldn’t be here tonight, or he didn’t want to,” said Kieran Culkin as he accepted the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor on behalf of Sean Penn, who won for his role in ‘One Battle After Another’. Penn’s absence from the ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, was due to a prior commitment in Ukraine, where he has been actively supporting the country amid ongoing conflict.
This win marks Penn’s third Oscar, adding to his previous accolades for ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Milk’. His character in ‘One Battle After Another’, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to the film’s success, which garnered a total of six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Despite his absence, Penn’s influence was felt throughout the evening. His commitment to Ukraine has been evident since 2022, and he has expressed a desire to use his Oscars to support the country. “I’ll give them to Ukraine. They can be melted down to bullets they can shoot at the Russians,” he stated in a previous interview, highlighting his dedication to the cause.
Photographed in Kyiv the day after the Oscars, Penn continues to advocate for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of international support. “If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost,” he has said, underscoring the moral imperative he feels regarding the conflict.
Interestingly, Penn has a history of skipping the Oscars, having done so in 1996, 2000, and 2002 when nominated. His decision to forgo the ceremony this year aligns with his established pattern, yet it also reflects his prioritization of activism over accolades.
As the ceremony unfolded, it was noted that this marked Penn’s sixth Oscar nomination and third win, a testament to his enduring talent in the film industry. However, the last time a winner skipped the Oscars was in 2024 when Hayao Miyazaki did not attend, making Penn’s absence particularly notable.
With ‘One Battle After Another’ achieving significant recognition, the film industry continues to celebrate its contributions while also acknowledging the pressing global issues that artists like Penn are passionate about.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future projects for Penn, but his commitment to Ukraine and the arts remains steadfast as he navigates his career and activism.