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'Zelenskyy is a great actor': Sean Penn trolled for handing over his Oscar to Ukraine prez

'The actors love to exhibit themselves next to the power, it is the same in all the countries of the world,' said a user

KYIV, UKRAINE: Actor Sean Penn handed over his Oscar to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He requested Zelenskyy to bring it back to Malibu when Ukraine wins over Russia in the war. 

Sean had already visited Kyiv twice this year, and this time as he reached Zelenskyy's office, he took out his Oscar Award from the bag and placed it on President's desk. Meanwhile, the 62-year-old actor has always supported Ukraine throughout the war, reported Daily Mail.

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The actor said, "This is for you, It's just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you then I'll feel better and stronger for the fight...When you win, bring it back to Malibu. I'll feel much better knowing a piece of me is here." The president stated it was a " great honor." The president in turn presented the 'I am Sam' star with a Ukrainian Order of Merit. He later thanked him "for his sincere support and significant contribution to the popularisation of Ukraine in the world."

Sean won two academy awards under the best actor category for his performances in 'Mystic River' (2003) and 'Milk' (2008). Meanwhile, he had previously called Zelenskyy a great friend and also considered taking up arms to fight alongside the Ukrainian military at some point in time also he was banned from entering Russia in September due to his overt criticism of the conflict between the two countries.

He was also criticized earlier, when Sean, in an interview with CNN said, “There is nothing greater that the Academy Awards could do than to give him that opportunity to talk to all of us” adding, “By the way, this is a man who understands movies and had his own very long and successful career in that.” He continued, “If the Academy has elected not to do it, if presenters have elected not to pursue the leadership in Ukraine who are taking bullets and bombs for us, along with the Ukrainian children that they are trying to protect, then I think every single one of those people and every bit of that decision will have been the most obscene moment in all of Hollywood history.”

The ‘Mystic River’ actor further said, “If it turns out to be what is happening, I would encourage everyone involved, though it may be their moment, and I understand that, to celebrate their films, it is so much more importantly their moment to shine, and to protest and to boycott that Academy Awards. I myself, if it comes back to it, when I return, I will smelt mine in public.” Penn added, “I pray that’s not what happened. I pray there have not been arrogant people who consider themselves representatives of the greater good who have decided not to check in with leadership in Ukraine. So I’m going to hope that’s not what happened, and I hope everyone walks out if it is,” 

'Sean Penn must be feeling irrelevant'

The Internet quickly reacted to Sean handing over his Oscar award to Zelenskyy. A user said, " Penn is producing their propaganda. It’s just money." Another said, "Every Oscar-winner in Hollywood is screaming at their agent for not thinking of this first." "He better donated $1 mn to @DefenceU," claimed another. A tweet read, 'Very bizarre." Another stated, "Used to be a fan, not anymore.." Meanwhile, a tweet read, "seriously what the hell was up with this." "Their Zelenskyy worship is so cringy," said a user. A tweet stated, "Cringe." Further, a user explained, "Why is Sean Penn even a thing in Ukraine?."

A tweet read, "It is called PR, every little help. Gratitude is important in life whether it comes from a little unknown child or elderly or a famous individual or Organisation. The right thing is to say thank you." "Sean Penn must be feeling irrelevant," said another user.  "The actors love to exhibit themselves next to the power, it is the same in all the countries of the world," added another. One said, "I agree with this one though. Zelensky is a great actor."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online