Oscar winner Sean Penn presents his Oscar to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a sign of support for the country in conflict with Russia. The actor recounts his ‘good friend‘ to return the trophy to Malibu once they emerge victorious from the war.
Penn has expressed support for Ukraine since war broke out in February. The 62-year-old actor and director has visited Kyiv twice before his last trip. After visiting the President, he took out his Oscar and placed it on Zelensky’s desk as a symbol of his unwavering loyalty. The American actor won an Oscar for his performances in the mystical river (2003) and Milk (2008).
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Actor Sean Penn shows support for Ukraine amid war with Russia
Zelensky was once an actor and comedian before entering the field of politics. He was happy to accept Penn’s gift and calls it a great honor on his part. “This is for you. It’s just symbolic nonsense, but if I know it’s here with you, then I’ll feel better and stronger for the fight. When you win, take it back to Malibu. I’ll feel much better knowing a piece of me is here“, says Penn via Daily mail.
In turn, the President awarded Sean Penn the Ukrainian Order of Merit in gratitude for his sincerity and contribution to the country.
Penn also considered joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces to help them fight the war. He said, “Part of what makes [Zelensky] so particularly extraordinary is this courage, it is the face of so many Ukrainians. I mean, it’s the leadership that we aspire to, it’s the freedom of thought and the real leadership that is above all so moving.” (Going through Daily mail)
Due to his support for Ukraine, the actor is banned from entering Russia. Vladimir Putin’s ministry included him in its list of banned American actors, along with Ben Stiller.
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Fans aren’t impressed with Penn’s gesture
This decision did not impress people and called it unnecessary. They shared on Twitter their feelings about Sean Penn offering his Oscar to the Ukrainian president. Check out their tweets below:
You shouldn’t attach much importance to this. Here in the West, we have long known that Sean Penn is a lost soul searching for meaning in his life. With the war in Ukraine, he seems to have found it.
— Sir Danny Boy (@sir_danny) November 9, 2022
I don’t quite understand Sean Penn’s gesture: Zelenskyy *leader* does not act. Will the Oscar be auctioned to financially support Ukraine?
— Rob Whittlestone (@RobWhittlestone) November 9, 2022
I want Ukraine to have its victory and its peace and yet what Sean Penn has done is not necessary. He no longer deserves his Oscar. And my respect for him is like down as of now, there’s a time for everything, he shouldn’t bring the Oscar into politics, period.
— SandraV (@SandraV173) November 9, 2022
Is it real?
Seems rather strange.
Who is Sean Penn to award an acting trophy to Zelensky?
& Why?
I have a 20 meter swimming badge which I was very proud of when I was younger; Should I take the electric plane to Ukraine with my family and present this?
Would that help?
—adwallt (@adwallt) November 9, 2022
Hollywood star Sean Penn again visited Kyiv and exchanged gifts with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
He was telling his “great friend” to keep his Oscar until Ukraine beat Russia.
If Ukraine loses the Oscar goes to Putin.
— Make Peace Now (@DoctorGerhard) November 9, 2022
Sean Penn was in Ukraine shooting a documentary when the conflict broke out. He was forced to flee to Poland with other refugees. This tragic first-hand experience might have encouraged the actor to take sides and show his support for the country.
Zelensky urged the international community to encourage Russia to resort to peaceful talks, on the condition of returning all Ukrainian lands as compensation for damages caused by the war.
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