Title: Sean Penn Criticizes Oscars for Denying Ukraine’s President a Speech, Blames Will Smith’s Controversial Slap Incident
Subtitle: Penn presents one of his Oscars as a “symbolic” loan to President Zelenskiy
Date: [Current Date]
In a recent interview, renowned actor Sean Penn expressed his disappointment with the Academy Awards for not allowing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to speak at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. Penn, who co-directed the documentary “Superpower” about Ukraine’s president, suggested that if Zelenskiy had been given the opportunity to address the audience, Will Smith’s infamous slap incident would have been avoided.
Penn, in conversation with Variety about his documentary co-directed with Aaron Kaufman, expressed his criticism of the Oscars’ decision, saying, “The Oscars producer thought: ‘Oh, [Zelenskiy is] not light-hearted enough.’ Well, guess what you got instead? Will Smith!” Penn went on to question the choice, stating, “Why did I go to fucking jail for what you just did? And you’re still sitting there? Why are you guys standing and applauding his worst moment as a person?”
Highlighting the potential contrast in outcomes, Penn exclaimed, “This fucking bullshit wouldn’t have happened with Zelenskiy. Will Smith would never have left that chair to be part of stupid violence. It never would have happened.”
Zelenskiy had reportedly requested to address the Oscar ceremony twice, in 2022 and 2023, but his requests were turned down. There were suggestions that Oscars producer Will Packer expressed concerns about allowing Zelenskiy airtime, citing Hollywood’s tendency to overlook conflicts involving people of color.
In response to the rejection, Penn offered to present one of his own Oscars to Zelenskiy as a “symbolic” loan until the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. The actor had previously threatened to melt down his statuettes if Zelenskiy was denied the opportunity to speak.
The criticism of Smith’s “worst moment as a person” refers to his past legal troubles. In 1987, Smith was convicted for reckless driving and punching an extra on the set of the movie “Colors.” The incident involved Smith assaulting a photographer who had taken pictures of him and actor Robert Duvall without consent.
Penn’s documentary “Superpower,” set for release on the Paramount+ streaming service, initially focused on Zelenskiy’s rise to power from his previous career as a TV comedian. However, its scope expanded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, turning it into a rallying cry for military support from the Western world. At the Berlin Film Festival’s world premiere of “Superpower” in February, Penn commented on America’s apparent delay in providing military aid, stating that Americans “are having to take on board a level of shame for not having scaled up sooner with the weapons.”
Penn’s criticism of the Oscars reflects a larger conversation about inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. The denial of Zelenskiy’s request raises questions about who gets a platform and whose stories are prioritized. As the events unfold, the film industry continues to grapple with the ongoing discussions surrounding diversity and fair representation on its biggest stages.
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