Topics: Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, Sean Penn, Ukraine, Russia, Politics, Oscars, Film and TV
Sean Penn has promised to 'smelt' his Oscar trophy if the Ukrainian president isn't invited to the ceremony.
The actor has called on other Hollywood stars to boycott this year's event if Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not given the opportunity to speak.
Here's what he had to say:
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Penn was in Ukraine recently to film a documentary on Russia's invasion, however, as the fighting escalated, he left, crossing the border in Poland.
And last week, Amy Schumer, who is hosting tonight's award ceremony, claimed that organisers rejected her idea to have Zelenskyy make an address.
She said on The Drew Barrymore Show: "I actually pitched, I wanted to find a way to have Zelenskyy satellite in or make a tape or something just because there are so many eyes on the Oscars.
"I am not afraid to go there, but it’s not me producing the Oscars."
Responding to the claims, Penn said it was disappointing if this was the case and urged fellow actors to take a stand.
He told CNN that he would 'smelt' the trophy he won for his film Milk in 2009 in public if the Oscars refused to give Zelenskyy a platform.
The actor said: "If it turns out to be what is happening, I would encourage everyone involved, though it may be their moment, and I understand that, to celebrate their films, it is so much more importantly their moment to shine, and to protest and to boycott that Academy Awards.
"I myself, if it comes back to it, when I return, I will smelt mine in public.
"I pray that’s not what happened. I pray there have not been arrogant people who consider themselves representatives of the greater good who have decided not to check in with leadership in Ukraine.
"So I’m going to hope that’s not what happened, and I hope everyone walks out if it is."
Penn actually met up with Zelenskyy last month to discuss the war.
Discussing the interview on Facebook, the Ukrainian President's office wrote: "Sean Penn demonstrates the courage that many others, especially Western politicians lack."
It added: "The director specially came to Kyiv to record all the events that are currently happening in Ukraine and to tell the world the truth about Russia's invasion of our country."
The office continued to state that Penn went to Kyiv in the hopes of telling the world 'the truth' about the Russian invasion.
They continued to say: "Our country is grateful to him for such a show of courage and honesty."
Zelenskyy, who prior to becoming president worked in the entertainment industry, posted the video of their meeting to his Instagram story.
Unilad has reached out to the Oscars for a comment on the claims made by Amy Schumer.
