Sean Penn was awarded his third Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 Academy Awards but did not attend the ceremony, as he was in Kiev, Ukraine, to show his support for the country amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. A Ukrainian official confirmed that Penn's visit was private and that he was meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This visit reflects Penn's long-standing commitment to supporting Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

The ceremony saw the film 'Premios Una batalla tras otra' win a total of six Oscars, and Penn's absent win echoes previous years where he also skipped the awards, including when he was nominated for 'Dead Man Walking' in 1996. Penn's continued presence in Ukraine highlights the role that some Hollywood figures have taken on as advocates for the nation, contributing to the international awareness of the situation in Ukraine.

As Penn continues to visit Ukraine, it raises questions about the relationship between celebrity activism and international conflicts, particularly how figures from the entertainment industry can influence public perceptions and support for global issues. Given his actions, Penn is not just a Hollywood actor but has taken on the role of an advocate for a nation facing significant challenges on the world stage.