Actor Sean Penn says that he will publicly smelt his Oscar awards if the the Academy does not let Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak.
In an interview with CNN, Penn demanded that the Academy has an “obligation” to give the Ukrainian president a platform during their show.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award show airs on Sunday.
“There is nothing greater that the Academy Awards could do than to give (Zelenskyy) an opportunity to talk to all of us. It is my understanding that a decision has been made not to do it. That is not me commenting on whether or not President Zelenskyy had wanted to,” Penn said.
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Penn has won Oscars for his roles in Milk and Mystic River.
In February, Penn was in Ukraine filming a documentary for Vice.
“If the (Academy has) 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,” Penn continued.
Penn further urged people to boycott the show if Zelenskyy is not invited to speak.
Sean Penn deserves another Oscar for his acting job on CNN where he said he would smelt all of his oscars if Hollywood decides against having Zelenskyy speak🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/9ISpEZGa4h
— heweymedia (@heweymedia) March 27, 2022
“If it comes back to it, I will smelt mine in public. I pray that’s not what’s happened. I pray there have not been arrogant people, who consider themselves representatives of the greater good in my industry, that have (decided against checking) with leadership in Ukraine. So I’m just going to hope that that’s not what’s happened. I hope (every attendee) walks out if it is,” Penn said.
As of Sunday afternoon, no decision has been publicized about whether or not Zelenskyy will be appearing.
“Academy officials still are debating on whether Zelenskyy will indeed appear briefly on the show, sources said. It’s also not clear if he would appear live or in a taped message. Sources said the debate centers on whether the Oscars should remain apolitical as the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on,” the New York Post reports.
The Oscars have been in a ratings free fall since the shows became massively political during the Trump administration.
“ABC, which is broadcasting the show, is said to be in favor of Zelenskyy, a former actor, making a statement. ABC did not return requests for comment,” the Post report continued.
Actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, and her husband Ashton Kutcher, are expected to make a statement during the show. They have raised $35 million for Ukrainian refugees.
.@aplusk & Mila Kunis were among the first to respond to our grief. They have already raised $35 million & are sending it to @flexport & @Airbnb to help 🇺🇦 refugees. Grateful for their support. Impressed by their determination. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/paa0TjJseu
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 20, 2022
They have been thanked for their efforts by Zelenskyy himself.
