Sean Penn given ‘Oscar’ made from blown-up train by Ukraine after actor was with Zelensky when he won acting gong

HOLLYWOOD star Sean Penn was handed an “Oscar” made from a bombed-out train — after snubbing the real ceremony to stand with war-torn Ukraine.

The 65-year-old star scooped a Best Supporting Actor gong for One Battle After Another at the real ceremony, but ditched the glitzy bash to head to Kyiv instead.

Sean Penn is gifted a symbolic version of the famous statuette made from the damaged metal of a train carriage hit in a Russian strikeCredit: AFP
Sean Penn chose to visit Ukraine instead of being at the Oscar’s to receive his award in personCredit: AFP
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for Sean Penn who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for One Battle after Another during the Oscars show at the 98th Academy AwardsCredit: Reuters

Penn was spotted strolling through the capital before holding talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

But he didn’t go home from the Eastern European and war torn nation empty-handed.

Rail boss Oleksandr Pertsovskyi stunned the actor by presenting him with a rugged “IronOscar” that was crafted from a rail car blasted by Russian forces.

In a heartfelt video, he told Penn: “You’re missing the Oscar… so we made this one.

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“It’s not golden, but it’s very real — and from the bottom of our hearts.”

The emotional actor hugged him and replied: “These are all treasures, thank you.”

The makeshift trophy carries a powerful message etched on the back.

It tells how the steel once saved lives — before being transformed into a symbol of gratitude instead of war.

On the back of the homemade Oscar is the enscription: “This steel once carried millions of people away from war.

“Then a Russian missile came. We did not melt it into a weapon. We forged it into gratitude — for you.

“For your talent. For your courage to stand with Ukraine.”

Penn is a long-time supporter of Ukraine.

He has visited the country multiple times and even filmed a documentary charting Zelensky’s rise to wartime leader after Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Through their interviews, Sean and Zelensky built up what they both called a close friendship.

The pair have struck up a close bond, with officials saying the star sees his trips as deeply personal and driven by a desire to show support.

During a meeting in 2022, Zelenskyy presented Penn with an award, the Ukrainian Order of Merit, which is given to citizens for outstanding achievements in economics, science, culture, or military or political activity.

Established by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma in 1996, the award’s past recipients include Ukrainian academics and writers, as well as Soviet-era military commanders.

Last year, Penn even joined forces with U2 legend Bono to urge Western leaders to keep backing Ukraine — appearing on the red carpet alongside Ukrainian troops in a show of solidarity.

He has previously missed out on past Oscars where he had been a nominee.

He also did not attend this year’s BAFTAs and the Actor Awards, where he ended up reigning victorious.

Kieran Culkin, who was announcing the gong, cracked a joke about Penn’s absence when the star ended up winning.

“Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening or didn’t want to, so I’ll be accepting the award on his behalf,” the Succession star joked.

Oscar 2026 winners

Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Best Actor: Michael B Jordan – Sinners

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Best Adapted Screenplay:  Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another 

Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan – Weapons

Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler – Sinners

Best Cinematography:  Autumn Durald Arkapaw – Sinners

Best Animated Film: KPop Demon Hunters

Best Original Song: KPop Demon Hunters – Golden 

An award given to actor Sean Penn by Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, the CEO of Ukrainian Railways, who called it an IronOscarCredit: Reuters
Penn met the president during his third trip to the country in 2022Credit: Getty
Penn in a scene from One Battle After AnotherCredit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Sean Penn wins the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for One Battle After AnotherCredit: AP

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