Sean Penn was reportedly in Ukraine and not in Hollywood when his name was announced as the Best Supporting Actor winner at the 2026 Oscars.
The actor, who won an award for his role as military fanatic Stephen J. Lockjaw in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, skipped Hollywood’s biggest night and flew to Europe, according to the New York Times.
His “plans as of late last week were to visit Ukraine,” the people, who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity, said.
The newspaper said the insiders “did not specify” what plans Penn had in the battleground countries or “exactly which of them” he planned to visit.
They also noted that his itinerary may have been adjusted.
A representative for the actor, 65, did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment Sunday night.
On Hollywood’s biggest night, the actor beat out some formidable rivals to win his third Academy Award.
Stellan Skarsgard was also considered for the Norwegian film Sentimental Value, as were Benicio del Toro for One Battle After Another, Delroy Lindo for Sinners, and Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein.
He previously won Best Actor for 2004’s Mystic River and 2009’s Milk. The Hollywood heavyweight also received nominations for “Dead Man Walking” (1995), “Sweet and Lowdown” (1999) and “I Am Sam” (2001).
Penn’s win puts him alongside acting legends such as three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep and Ingrid Bergman.
Sunday’s award was presented by last year’s winner, Kieran Culkin, who accepted the award to Penn.
“Sean Penn either couldn’t be here tonight or didn’t want to come, so I’ll accept the award on his behalf,” he joked.
His win at the Oscars was no surprise at all. He previously won at the SAG Actor Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month and at the BAFTAs in London in February.
Penn did not attend both awards ceremonies.
