Movie star Sean Penn (62) presented one of his Oscar statuettes to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi (44) on Tuesday as a “symbol of hope”.
“It’s just a little symbolic and silly thing, but knowing this is here with you makes me feel better and stronger about the games,” Penn said as he presented the jewel to the president.
– When you win, you can take it back to Malibu. Until then, it’s best for me to know that part of me is here, Penn added.
The independent And Entertainment tonight is among the media following the meeting.
It is not known which of his two Oscar statuettes Penn gave to Zelensky. The actor won the Golden Man Award in both 2004 and 2009 for “Mystic River” and “Milk” respectively.
The president himself shares photos of the meeting, which took place in Kiev.
It is the third time that Penn has visited Ukraine since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even before the outbreak of the war, Penn was involved documentary on the situation in the country.
– This time we had a very special meeting, says Zelensky in a statement after Tuesday’s session.
– Sean brought his Oscar statuette as a symbol of hope of victory for our country. The statuette will remain here until the end of the war, the president says.
Very busy
Penn previously documented what it was like leave Ukraine on foot together with refugees.
In March, the Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for Penn “having told the world the truth about the invasion of Russia”.
On Tuesday, Penn received the Order of Merit Award for her engagement in Ukraine and cooperation across national borders.
The Hollywood star was also honored with her name on the stone on the Walk of the Brave, a recognition of the “brave people who have stood by Ukraine’s side since the beginning”.
Penn states among other things that there are three places in the world where all his pride resides:
– The place where my daughter was born, the place where my son was born – and here.
“This support for Ukraine and its citizens is extremely valuable»Writes Zelensky on Instagram under several photos of himself and the American actor.
Penn has petitioned the Academy of the Oscars to allow the Ukrainian president to speak at the awards ceremony this spring.
The movie star has come up to statement to CNN that “he would have dissolved his Oscar statuettes in public” if Zelensky was not allowed to attend the ceremony.
However, Penn was not listened to.
It is also an Academy rule that tall figurines cannot be sold or thrown away.
Sean Penn is known for these films, among other things.
