Hollywood star Sean Penn meets Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 'gifts' his Oscar

Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticising its war in Ukraine, loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv on November 8. "It's just a symbolic, silly thing," he said, seated beside the Ukrainian leader at a ceremonial table and pressing his hand on his arm to emphasise his words as aides smiled and laughed. "When you win, bring it back to Malibu."

Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn visited war-torn Ukraine and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on November 8. Credit: Twitter/@AndriyYermak

Penn handed over his Oscar statuette to Zelenskyy as a symbol of faith in Ukraine's victory and said

Zelenskyy presented Penn, who is making a documentary in Ukraine and marking his third wartime visit, with the Order of Merit honour for strengthening relations, backing Ukraine's territorial integrity and helping to popularise the country, the president's office said. Credit: AFP Photo

US actor Sean Penn and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are seen talking as the former leaves after meeting the President in Kyiv. Credit: AFP Photo