Actor and director Sean Penn, an Oscar recipient, made waves at the 98th Academy Awards by screening footage from his documentary on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The clip highlighted Zelensky’s leadership amid ongoing challenges.
Oscars Appearance and Ukraine Ties
Penn previously met Zelensky in Kyiv and has shown consistent support for Ukraine. He arrived at a Ukrainian refugee support event wearing sunglasses, stepping out of a black vehicle to engage with the group.
A Ukrainian official stated, “Penn is here to demonstrate his support for Ukraine.” The official added, “While some might say he is in Ukraine, this remains a personal expression of solidarity. He acts as if he is there himself.”
Documentary Screening and Zelensky Meeting
Following the screening, Penn met a Zelensky representative at their residence. The footage comes from a documentary planned for nationwide release. The representative praised Penn, noting, “Sean, through his expressive eyes, revealed genuine sympathy for Ukraine during this extensive period.”
The representative continued, “He collaborated fully with Ukraine amid the full-scale conflict and does so today. Even as president, Zelensky wishes to partner with Ukrainian citizens.”
Ongoing Advocacy and Visits
Penn has visited Kyiv multiple times since the full-scale invasion, including efforts to document the situation. In 2023, he co-released a documentary portraying Zelensky’s shift from comedian to wartime leader, screened at the Berlin Film Festival.
Earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, Penn urged European nations to provide proper aid to Ukraine and collaborate with its people.
Penn traveled from Los Angeles to attend the 98th Oscars, where he received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in One Battle After Another, marking his third Oscar nod after wins for Mystic River and Milk.
In 2022, during a Ukraine visit, Penn gifted one of his Oscar trophies to Zelensky, who vowed to return it upon victory in the war.
