Published：Mar 13, 13:06Last updated：Mar 19, 18:44

Sean Penn Honored in Ukraine After Skipping 2026 Oscars for Kyiv Visit

Mar. 13, 2026 13:06

The 98th Academy Awards featured expected winners, with 'One Battle After Another' winning best picture and 'Sinners' securing four awards, including Michael B. Jordan's win over Timothée Chalamet. The ceremony was considered one of the most unpredictable in history, but the results aligned with predictions. Host Conan O'Brien made humorous jokes targeting various public figures, and the event highlighted popular films from the awards season.

Summarized

55News

24Media

Mar. 19, 2026 03:39

US actor Sean Penn visited Ukraine instead of attending the Oscars ceremony where he won best supporting actor for "One Battle After Another". He was gifted a symbolic Oscar statuette made from metal of a train carriage damaged in a Russian strike. Penn is a strong supporter of Kyiv and chose to visit Ukraine on March 19, 2026. The gesture highlights his solidarity with Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

Mar. 19, 2026 18:44

Sean Penn, who skipped the Oscars, was in Ukraine where the Ukrainian railway CEO presented him with an alternative 'IronOscar' made from railway scrap. The event took place on March 19, 2026, symbolizing solidarity with Ukraine.

The 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, were notable not only for cinematic achievements but also for a powerful intersection of Hollywood and global politics. The most striking story emerged as Sean Penn, who won Best Supporting Actor for "One Battle After Another", skipped the ceremony to visit Ukraine. In Kyiv, Penn received a unique Oscar statuette crafted from metal salvaged from a Ukrainian train carriage destroyed by a Russian missile strike, symbolizing solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The Korea Herald+2

🏆 Major Winners and Oscar Highlights

"All Quiet on the Western Front" was the ceremony’s biggest winner, taking home six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. "The Guilty" secured four awards, with Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor for his dual AI-assisted roles. Netflix’s "K-POP: Demon Girl Group" won Best Animated Feature, underscoring the influence of streaming platforms. The night also saw a rare tie for Best Live Action Short and celebrated the first female winner of Best Cinematography. Huanqiu+1

🌍 Sean Penn’s Kyiv Visit and Symbolic 'IronOscar'

While the Oscars unfolded in Hollywood, Sean Penn traveled to Kyiv, meeting with Ukrainian officials and reaffirming his support for Ukraine. On March 19, 2026, Ukrainian railway CEO Oleksandr Pertsovskyi presented Penn with an alternative 'IronOscar', forged from the wreckage of a train damaged in a Russian strike. This gesture, widely covered in international media, highlighted Penn’s solidarity and drew global attention to Ukraine’s plight. Die Welt+2

🤖 AI’s Breakthrough and Industry Reflections

The 2026 Oscars marked a turning point for AI in filmmaking, with new technologies enabling AI actors and advanced visual effects. Michael B. Jordan’s performance, enhanced by AI, exemplified the creative possibilities and sparked debate about authenticity in cinema. The ceremony also reflected on the balance between tradition and innovation, as streaming platforms and technological advances continued to reshape the industry. Asahi Shimbun+1

📰 Political Resonance and Hollywood’s Global Role

Sean Penn’s absence and the symbolic presentation in Kyiv underscored the Oscars’ engagement with global affairs. The event demonstrated Hollywood’s willingness to acknowledge broader social and political issues, reinforcing its influence beyond entertainment. Penn’s actions and the Academy’s response highlighted the evolving relationship between the film industry and world events. The Korea Herald+2

Sean PennLos AngelesMichael B. JordanPaul Thomas AndersonAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences