Sean Penn Honored With Steel ‘Iron Oscar’ Made From War-Damaged Ukrainian Railcar
Even though Sean Penn neither attended the 98th Academy Awards last Sunday nor accepted his Best Supporting Actor trophy for One Battle After Another in person, the Ukrainian officials have creatively recognized his relentless contribution to Ukraine during the war against Russia through an extraordinary gesture.
The film star was gifted a metaphorical “Iron Oscar,” forged out of steel ripped from railway facilities damaged as a result of Russian missile attacks.
“We would have definitely given an award to our dear friend and devoted Ukrainian Railways passenger. So, on behalf of all of us, I gave Sean our IronOscar!” Ukrainian Railways CEO Oleksandr Pertsovsky revealed in a Twitter post on Tuesday.
The note was posted alongside pictures and videos displaying the instant when Penn was handed over this unusual honor.
Sean Penn Honoured with Irons from War Damaged Ukrainian Rail Car
On Sunday night while Sean Penn was not at the 98th Academy Awards, officials from the Ukraine gave the actor an iron award as a symbol of their gratitude for the assistance he has provided throughout the course of this conflict with Russia.
In a video provided via social media, Oleksandr Pertsovsky, CEO of Ukrainian Railways, shared the touching story of how Ukrainian Railways created this special award for Penn.
“You’re missing your golden statue,” Pertsovsky stated, “so we made (you) this one. This piece of metal is from a rail car that was attacked by the Russians. You stated previously that metal can be recycled after an explosion, so we added some notation (to it) that reflects our deep appreciation for your support. While this award is not technically made of gold, it is something that has meaning to us, and it comes from our hearts.”
Penn was overcome with emotion; he replied to Pertsovsky, “These are all gifts. Thank you!”
The back of the iron statue includes the following message: “This steel was once used to transport millions of people away from conflict. Then the Russians fired a rocket into it. Instead of recycling this metal into a weapon, we utilized it as an expression of our gratitude – to you & your talent – for your courage in standing beside Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy Honors Sean Penn for His Friendship to Ukraine; Missed This Year’s Oscars
The actor’s ongoing support for Ukraine continues to receive heartfelt acknowledgement from the country’s leadership.
Sean Penn, who recently received his third Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in One Dog After Another, was not in attendance at this year’s Academy Awards. He was later spotted visiting with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Thanks to Sean, we have learned about a real friend to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy posted to X. “Since Day 1 of the war, Sean has been here for Ukraine, and he will continue being there to support us,” he concluded.
