© AFP
American actor Sean Penn threatened to boycott the 94th Academy Awards ceremony and “publicly melt” the gold-plated bronze statuettes won, if Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky is not allowed to participate in the ceremony on March 27.
“From what I understand a decision was made”: if the Academy chooses to keep it out, then it would be the “blackest page in Hollywood history”explained the director who won the Oscar for Best Actor for ‘Mystic River‘ in 2003 and ‘Milk‘ in 2008.
Sean Penn was in the Ukraine to film a documentary when the invasion of Russia began and had the opportunity to meet Zelensky before the Russian attacks. Subsequently, he signed an agreement for his foundation to offer education and shelter to Ukrainians in Poland.
The White House had to clarify that Biden does not want to overthrow the “butcher” Putin
“There is nothing greater that the Academy can do than to give Zelensky the opportunity to speak with all of us”said the actor, hoping that a group of “arrogant” had not decided to write it off.
“I hope it doesn’t, I hope everyone gets up and leaves” the event “if it does.” “Ukraine is the spearhead of the fight for the dreams of democracy. If we let it fight alone, we will lose our soul as America,” said the Hollywood star.
“Ukraine is the tip of the spear in embracing the democratic dream. If we allow it to fight alone, our soul as America is lost,” Penn said in a statement.
Rumors have circulated in recent days about Zelensky’s presence live or on recorded video, at the proposal of the host Amy Shumer, to which the ABC network -which broadcasts the ceremony- would have ruled in favor.
What is the Azov Battalion, Russia’s scapegoat, between heroism and the Nazi ghost
But the producer of the night Will Packer preferred not to comment on the subject when questioned at a press conference, while Wanda Sykes, another of the gala’s hostesses, ironized: “Isn’t he busy right now?”
The ceremony organized by the Los Angeles Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will take place at the Dolby Theater in the US city, will refer to Ukraine in an “organic” and “respectful” way, Sykes anticipated.
The night’s winners are also expected to mention the Russian invasion in their speeches.
ds