“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’. This marks Penn’s third Oscar win, following previous victories for ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Milk’.
Despite his success, Penn was notably absent from the Oscars ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026. His absence was attributed to a prior commitment in Ukraine, where he has been a vocal supporter of the country’s fight against Russian aggression.
Following the ceremony, Penn was photographed in Kyiv on March 16, 2026, highlighting his ongoing dedication to the cause. He has previously expressed a desire to melt down his Oscars to support Ukraine, stating, “I’ll give them to Ukraine. They can be melted down to bullets they can shoot at the Russians.”
‘One Battle After Another’ was a significant success at the Oscars, winning a total of six awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Penn’s character in the film, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
This year’s ceremony marked Penn’s sixth Oscar nomination and third win, a notable achievement in his illustrious career. However, his history of skipping the Oscars is well-documented, having done so in 1996, 2000, and 2002 when nominated.
In a statement reflecting on the importance of supporting Ukraine, Penn remarked, “If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost.” His commitment to activism has been evident since 2022, when he began advocating for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
The last time a winner skipped the Oscars was in 2024 when Hayao Miyazaki did not attend. Penn’s absence continues to draw attention to his priorities outside of Hollywood.
As the situation in Ukraine evolves, it remains to be seen how Penn will further engage with the cause. His actions and statements have sparked discussions about the role of artists in political activism.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future plans Penn may have related to his Oscar win or his activism in Ukraine.