The Oscars have always had a certain component politicianwith many professionals from the film industry taking advantage of their moment on stage to launch claims.
During the ceremony there were certain moments to remember the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, although Sean Penn has gone a step further and has threatened to melt its statuettes if a space is not given to Volodymyr Zelensky to speak during the awards ceremony.
Very vocal support for Ukraine
Sean Penn has been heavily involved in the conflict in Ukraine, including shooting a documentary in the country and meeting with President Zelensky. As the actor told CNN’s Jim Acosta, the conflict in Ukraine should be openly discussed at the Oscars.
Penn encouraged viewers to boycott the gala if the Academy invited Zelenski, and also threatened to melt his Oscars if this does not happen.
“If it turns out that it doesn’t happen, I want to encourage everyone involved, even if it’s their time, and I understand this, we have to celebrate their movies, it’s their time to shine… But protest and boycott the Academy Awards,” said the actor. “Myself, if it comes to it, when I return, I will melt mine in public.”
“I pray that this is not what happens, I pray that there are not arrogant people who consider themselves representatives of a greater good and have decided not to contact the leaders of Ukraine,” Penn continued. “So I’m going to hope that that’s not what happened, and I hope everyone walks away if it does.”
Since Zelensky hasn’t made a surprise appearance at the Oscars, now it only remains to be seen if Sean Penn actually keeps his promise and melts his two statuettes, which he got for ‘Milk’ and ‘Mystic River’.
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