Penn Meets Zelenskyy Amidst Ukraine War

Penn Meets Zelenskyy Amidst Ukraine War Actor Sean Penn met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine on March 16, 2026, while the Academy Awards ceremony was taking place. Penn, who won his third Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "One Battle After Another," was absent from the event. President Zelenskyy acknowledged Penn's visit and expressed gratitude for his consistent support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale conflict.

Penn's engagement with Ukraine has been ongoing, including his work on the documentary "Superpower," which chronicles his interactions with Zelenskyy. The actor has previously discussed his view that his activism, filmmaking, and other endeavors stem from a unified impulse to contribute positively. This recent meeting underscores his continued involvement in the geopolitical situation.

During the Oscars ceremony, presenter Kieran Culkin accepted the award on Penn's behalf, noting his absence. Penn had also declined to attend other recent awards ceremonies, including the Actor Award and BAFTA, despite winning. His focus on the situation in Ukraine has been a recurring theme in his public activities.