Sean Penn recently received a unique Oscar made from a damaged Ukrainian railway carriage. The award was given to him by Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, CEO of Ukrainian Railways. He jokingly said, “You’re missing Oscars, so we made this one,” referring to Penn’s absence at the awards ceremony.
The award is silver and shaped just like the traditional Academy Award. Pertsovskyi added, “It’s not golden, but it’s very real and from the bottom of our hearts.” Penn, appreciating the gesture, responded, “These are all treasures, thank you.”
This moment came after Penn won his third Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another. The film itself won six awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Penn was not at the ceremony that night, but he was spotted in Kyiv days prior, carrying a box of cigarettes. His visit was part of his ongoing support for Ukraine, which has been significant since the Russian invasion began over four years ago. He even made a documentary featuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023.
Interestingly, President Zelenskyy shared a photo of himself with Penn in his office, reflecting their friendship. In 2022, Penn lent one of his Oscars to Zelenskyy, saying it was a “symbolic silly thing” to support Ukraine. He expressed hope in bringing it back to Malibu once peace was restored.
Historically, Sean Penn is known for using his platform to address social issues. According to recent surveys, over 70% of Americans believe celebrities should engage in political activism. This trend shows how public figures can significantly impact important dialogues, especially in times of crisis.
While Penn has been absent from several award ceremonies, his dedication to Ukraine has not gone unnoticed. His activism serves as a reminder that art and empathy often go hand in hand, inspiring people not just in Hollywood but around the world.
