Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, placed under sanctions by Russia for criticizing its war in Ukraine, has loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Kyiv. "It's just a symbolic, silly thing," he said on November 8, seated beside the Ukrainian leader at a ceremonial table and pressing his hand on his arm to emphasize his words as aides smiled and laughed. "When you win, bring it back to Malibu." Zelenskiy presented Penn with the Order of Merit honor, the president's office said. To read the original Reuters story, click here.
Sean Penn Visits Ukraine's Zelenskiy, Loans Him An Oscar
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (right) poses with U.S. actor Sean Penn after receiving the latter's Oscar statuette and handing him the Order of Merit, third degree, during their meeting in Kyiv on November 8.