2023: Zelenskyy ‘Born For This Moment,’ Sean Penn Says At Berlin

BERLIN, Germany — Actor Sean Penn had his first on-camera meeting with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just hours before Russia launched its invasion nearly a year ago.

“It was as if he realized that he was born for this moment,” Penn said in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, a day after the festival premiere of his documentary “Superpower.”

When the war broke out, Penn and his co-director Aaron Kaufman were in Kyiv filming a profile of the comedic actor-turned-president. The president’s image entering the room for the first interview would have the greatest impact on Penn.

“It’s difficult to explain, but there was a resolve in response to something no one had ever faced before,” Penn explained.

Sean Penn’s ‘Superpower’ arrives in Berlin.

Penn stated at a press conference on Saturday that they returned to the hotel after the interview and that the shelling began that night. Zelenskyy had “a proper suit and a proper office” when they first met him.

“He was in camos the next time we saw him, and his country was at war,” Penn explained.

Zelenskyy Was A Fresh Start For Ukraine

The documentary took an unexpected turn when war broke out. Additional interviews with the president conducted over the last year are included in the film.

After the project was completed, the two continued to communicate off-camera. Last year, Zelenskyy bestowed the Ukrainian Order of Merit on the Hollywood star, who has been involved in numerous international humanitarian and anti-war efforts. Penn was also given a plaque on a walkway in Kyiv that honors world leaders who have spoken out in support of Ukraine.

People would be surprised, according to Penn, by Zelenskyy’s “command of the mechanisms of government.”

“Not only his, but all those on whom he relies, his sense of mapping the diplomatic territory,” he explained. “He’s ablaze. He has a rare talent for politics.”

Penn Loaned Zelenskyy One Of His Two Oscars

Penn recalled seeing “civility” while fleeing Ukraine through the Polish border a few days after the invasion began.

“There was no honking. “There was a kind of quiet acceptance because no one was trying to drive around the other and take,” Penn said during the interview. “You know, these were families that were being torn apart. Some, but not all, are still torn apart.”

During a subsequent visit to Ukraine, Penn loaned Zelenskyy one of his two Oscars, telling him, “When you win, bring it back to Malibu.”

“The Oscar is there in his office, and it’s ready to be melted whenever he wants to melt it,” Penn clarified in a press conference after threatening to melt his awards in public if Zelenskyy was not on the show for last year’s Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not include a video address from President Trump, instead opting for a moment of silence in support of Ukraine’s people. On Thursday, Zelenskyy spoke at the Berlinale, encouraging artists and filmmakers to show their support for Ukraine.

Penn Won Two Oscars For Mystic River

Penn stated at the press conference that the Oscar was inspired by his “continuing shame towards the leadership of the Academy, the motion picture academy, in choosing to present Will Smith smacking Chris Rock on their broadcast rather than the greatest symbol of cinema and humanity living today.”

Penn won two Oscars for best actor, one in 2003 for “Mystic River” and the other in 2008 for “Milk.” Previously, he directed “Flag Day,” “Into the Wild,” and “The Pledge.”

While it is not uncommon for celebrities to support a cause, in “Superpower,” Penn travels to the front lines of the war to speak with soldiers in the trenches. When it comes to his drive and determination, the actor has no idea where it comes from.

“I could make up several answers,” he joked to the Associated Press. “It’s something I don’t think about in the end, despite being asked many times.” “I’m at a loss for words.”

SOURCE – (AP)