Sean Penn Is a No-Show at the 2026 Oscars for His Third Win, Presenter Kieran Culkin Jokes He ‘Didn’t Want to’ Be Here

**Sean Penn Achieves Third Academy Award for Supporting Role at 2026 Oscars**

Sean Penn has secured his third Oscar, winning the Best Supporting Actor accolade for his portrayal of Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in the film *One Battle After Another* at the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday night. In a surprise twist, the actor was not present at the event to accept the prestigious award, prompting fellow actor Kieran Culkin to step in on his behalf.

Culkin, who won an Oscar in the same category the previous year for *A Real Pain*, addressed the audience during the ceremony, noting, “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening, or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf.” This intriguing remark has led to speculation regarding Penn’s reasons for his absence.

Penn’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, adding to his previous wins in the Best Actor category for *Mystic River* in 2004 and *Milk* in 2009. The actor is renowned for his compelling performances, having also received numerous nominations for his roles in films such as *Dead Man Walking*, *Sweet and Lowdown*, and *I Am Sam*.

At this year’s Oscars, Penn faced stiff competition in the Best Supporting Actor category, contending against esteemed performers including Benecio del Toro, Stellan Skarsgård, Delroy Lindo, and Jacob Elordi. Del Toro is a castmate in *One Battle After Another*, while Skarsgård and both Lindo and Elordi were praised for their respective roles in *Sentimental Value*, *Sinners*, and *Frankenstein*.

Prior to the Academy Awards, Penn had already claimed victories at both the BAFTA Film Awards and the Actor Awards in February, but similarly did not attend those ceremonies. This trend of absence has raised eyebrows, although it appears to have had little impact on his standing within the industry.

Earlier this year, Penn made an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards but did not win in the Best Supporting Actor category, losing out to Skarsgård once again. Despite these setbacks, his performance in *One Battle After Another* has clearly resonated with audiences and critics alike, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent in Hollywood.

Interestingly, Penn had initially been reluctant to engage with the script for *One Battle After Another*. In a candid conversation with Entertainment Weekly, he recounted the moment of inspiration that ultimately led him to dive into the project. “I came out of a shower late one night, and I was just walking to get dressed, and I had the script sitting there, and I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll read just one page,'” he revealed. His commitment to the role quickly became evident, as he found himself engrossed in the narrative.

This film represents Penn’s second collaboration with celebrated director Paul Thomas Anderson, after previously starring in *Licorice Pizza*. Their partnership highlights a shared artistic vision and draws audiences to their unique storytelling styles, making the film a focal point within the industry.

As the evening progressed, the spotlight remained on the impact of Penn’s performance, which continues to generate discussions about his legacy in cinema. Whether it is through the complex character of Colonel Lockjaw or his well-documented activism, Penn remains a pivotal figure in the film industry.

The 2026 Academy Awards, broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, was filled with excitement and movement, showcasing some of the finest talent in the industry. Penn’s win adds another layer of achievement to his career, though the actor’s absence remains a talking point among fans and critics alike. As the accolades continue to pile up, one wonders what ventures lie ahead for this talented actor as he navigates his remarkable career trajectory.