‘One Battle After Another’ Star Sean Penn Declares He’ll Never Attend Award Shows Again
Sean Penn recently opened up about his aversion to large public events, his dislike for selfies, and the reasons he skipped the latest Academy Awards, despite being reported as the winner of Best Supporting Actor.
Penn shared that he has a strict limit regarding crowds. He prefers intimate gatherings and has made a personal rule to avoid any event with more than eight attendees. For him, larger settings feel uncomfortable and stressful, impacting not only awards shows but any social situation with too many people.
He discussed the mental toll these events take on him. Large gatherings can be overwhelming, leaving him with little time to connect with each individual. He expressed that such situations create anxiety and discomfort rather than enjoyment.
Explaining his absence from the Academy Awards, Penn mentioned that he had previously discussed it with colleagues from his film ‘One Battle After Another.’ They collectively agreed that staying away would be better for his mental health. Instead of attending the Oscars, he traveled to Ukraine, where he has been actively involved in efforts related to the ongoing war, aiming to raise awareness and garner international support.
Although he missed the Oscars in person, Penn watched the ceremony from Ukraine. Due to the time difference, the show aired in the middle of the night for him. He expressed relief at being able to watch it from afar, describing it as a more relaxed experience compared to being present at the event.
A significant part of the conversation revolved around selfies. Penn was candid about his disdain for them, stating that the culture surrounding selfies at public events adds pressure and drains people emotionally. He believes it leads to shallow and stressful interactions. He remarked, “People should not do selfies ever with anyone. It’s bad for you; it’s bad for everyone. It’s a soul-sucker.”
He also provided an example of what frustrates him in crowded situations, describing how constant requests for photos and attention can become overwhelming. He noted that even a slight increase in crowd size can push him past his limit, stating, “It’s the ninth person.”
Penn reflected on how this shift in his behavior is relatively recent. He recalled attending the Golden Globes earlier this year and realizing during that event that he no longer wanted to participate in large award ceremonies. This realization prompted him to step away from that environment entirely.
Despite his criticisms of awards shows and public appearances, he expressed respect for the work of others in the industry. He noted that he felt a sense of relief after deciding to stop attending, as it reduced stress and allowed him to focus on his work and causes he is passionate about.
The discussion at Tribeca revealed a different side of Sean Penn, emphasizing personal limits, mental health, and his approach to managing public life rather than Hollywood glamour.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!