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.”

Sean Penn won an Oscar for “One Battle After Another,” but wasn’t at Sunday’s ceremony (above.)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

A pair of sources told the New York Times that Penn had flown to Europe and was said to be planning a visit to Ukraine.AFP via Getty Images
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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.

Last year’s winner, Kieran Culkin, accepted the award (above) in Penn’s absence.REUTERS

The actor, pictured above in February, now has three Academy Awards under his belt.REUTERS
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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.

Penn played military zealot Lockjaw in “One Battle After Another.” He’s pictured above in a still from the film.Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

Penn was also absent from the BAFTAs and SAG’s Actor Awards, where he garnered awards in the supporting actor category. He’s pictured here in London in September.Getty Images
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Sunday’s award was presented by last year’s winner, Kieran Culkin, who accepted the award for Penn.
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“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.
Penn was absent from both awards ceremonies.
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