Kieran Culkin Picks Up Oscar on Behalf of No-Show Sean Penn.

Sean Penn Skips the 2026 Academy Awards

According to TSN.ua: Sean Penn was a no-show at the 2026 Oscars, despite winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in "One Battle After Another." Instead of collecting the trophy himself, actor Kieran Culkin—who announced the winner—accepted the statuette on his behalf. This marks the third Oscar win for the 65-year-old actor, who reportedly left the United States and had plans to travel to Ukraine.

A Conspicuous Absence

The Oscars traditionally bring together the industry's top talent, but Penn's decision to skip the ceremony drew significant media and public attention. Notably, in 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also unable to deliver a planned address at the Oscars, adding further context to Penn's absence this year.

Despite not being present, Penn's cinematic achievements were still recognized. The acclaim for his work in "One Battle After Another" represents a major milestone in his career, and even though he chose to forgo the awards ceremony, his contribution to film remains substantial.

Penn's absence from the Oscars may reflect personal or professional priorities, likely tied to his upcoming plans. This situation highlights how actors' personal choices can take precedence even over major honors like an Academy Award. Given that Penn is reportedly preparing for a trip to Ukraine, his decision may underscore his active engagement with sociopolitical issues. Ultimately, skipping the ceremony could be part of a broader personal strategy or mission.