Actor Sean Penn visits Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, loans him an Oscar

This handout picture taken and released by Ukraine's presidential press-service on Nov 8, 2022 shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) posing with US actor Sean Penn (left) after receiving latter's Oscar statuette and handing him the Order of Merit, III degree during their meeting in Kyiv. Photo: AFP

Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticising its war in Ukraine, loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday.

"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 emphasize his words as aides smiled and laughed. "When you win, bring it back to Malibu."