Sean Penn has received a symbolic third Oscar in Ukraine after missing the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where he won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “One Battle After Another.”
A video shared on social media by Ukrzaliznytsia showed the 65-year-old actor being presented with a custom-made metallic statuette during a visit to Ukraine. The award, dubbed an “Iron Oscar,” was handed to him by Oleksandr Pertsovskyi as a tribute to both his cinematic achievement and his ongoing support for the country.
The makeshift trophy, designed in the familiar silhouette of an Oscar, was crafted from metal salvaged from a Ukrainian railcar damaged during a Russian missile attack. Pertsovskyi explained that the piece symbolizes resilience and gratitude, referencing Penn’s previous gesture of donating one of his own Oscars to Ukraine in solidarity.
“It’s not golden, but it’s very real and from the bottom of our hearts,” Pertsovskyi said during the presentation, highlighting the emotional significance behind the award. Penn, visibly moved, responded, “These are all treasures, thank you,” as he embraced the railway executive.
An inscription on the trophy reads: “This steel once carried millions of people away from war. Then a Russian missile came. We did not melt it into a weapon. We forged it into gratitude — for you. For your talent. For your courage to stand with Ukraine.” The message underscores the broader meaning of the award, celebrating not just artistic excellence but also humanitarian commitment.
Penn’s absence from the Oscars had been widely anticipated, as he skipped several major events throughout the awards season, including the BAFTAs and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, despite winning in his category. During the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, presenter Kieran Culkin acknowledged Penn’s absence while accepting the award on his behalf.
Speculation about his whereabouts was confirmed when Volodymyr Zelensky shared a photo of the actor visiting Ukraine, reinforcing Penn’s continued engagement with the country amid the ongoing conflict.
Penn’s connection to Ukraine has been well documented, including in his 2023 film “Superpower,” which chronicled his time in the country during the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The actor has remained a vocal advocate for Ukraine, blending his Hollywood career with humanitarian efforts on the global stage.
Before this latest win, Penn had secured two previous Oscars for Best Actor for his performances in “Mystic River” (2003) and “Milk” (2008), further cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and politically engaged figures.
