oscars 2026 Movies Why Sean Penn wasn’t at the 2026 Oscars By Audrey Rock Published March 15, 2026, 10:35 p.m. ET Sean Penn wasn’t in Hollywood when his name was read as the best supporting actor winner at the 2026 Oscars because he was reportedly in Ukraine.
According to the New York Times, the actor — who won for his role as military fanatic Steven J. Lockjaw in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” — flew to Europe rather than attend Hollywood’s biggest night.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the publication, said his “plan as of late last week was to visit Ukraine.”
The outlet noted that the insiders “did not specify” what Penn’s plans were in the embattled country, or “where precisely within” it he would be visiting.
They also noted that there was a chance that his itinerary might have been adjusted.
A rep for the actor, 65, did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment on Sunday evening.
At Hollywood’s biggest night, the actor beat out a formidable list of competitors to win his third Academy Award.
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Stellan Skarsgård was also in the running for Norwegian film “Sentimental Value,” as was Benicio Del Toro for “One Battle After Another,” Delroy Lindo for “Sinners” and Jacob Elordi for “Frankenstein.”
He previously won best actor for starring turns in “Mystic River” in 2004 and “Milk” in 2009. The Hollywood heavyweight was additionally nominated for “Dead Man Walking” (1995,) “Sweet and Lowdown” (1999,) and “I Am Sam” (2001.)
Penn’s latest win puts him alongside acting legends Daniel Day-Lewis, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Ingrid Bergman, who have won three Oscars.
Sunday’s award was presented by last year’s winner, Kieran Culkin, who accepted the award for Penn.
“Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening, or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf,” joked.
His win at the Oscars wasn’t a complete surprise — he was previously victorious at SAG’s Actor Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month, as well as the BAFTAs in London February.
