Sean Penn, the outspoken Oscar-winning actor, has declared he is finished with selfies and awards shows, calling the former a 'soul-sucker' and the latter a source of social discomfort. In a conversation with CNN's Kaitlan Collins at the Tribeca Film Festival, Penn elaborated on his decision, stating that people should never ask for selfies, regardless of circumstances.
Selfies Are a 'Soul-Sucker'
Penn, 65, did not mince words when discussing his disdain for selfies. 'People should not do selfies ever with anyone. It's bad for you; it's bad for everyone. It's a soul-sucker,' he said, according to USA Today and Variety. When asked if he would make an exception for a grandmother and her paraplegic grandchild, he replied, 'It's a hard no.'
Done With Awards Shows
The three-time Oscar winner, who won best supporting actor in March for his role in One Battle After Another, also announced he will no longer attend awards shows. 'I won't go anywhere to be with a designated group beyond eight people,' he said. 'That always represented social discomfort for me; too many people.' Penn decided to stop after attending the Golden Globes in January, where he realized the events were not for him. 'The best that I could ever muster was relief,' he explained. 'Knowing that I wasn't going to do that anymore, I did one before that this year. I went to the Golden Globes; I'd never been to that before. And that's where I decided, 'I can't do this.''
Enjoying the Oscars From Home
Staying home allowed Penn to enjoy the Academy Awards for the first time. 'I really got to enjoy the Academy Awards for the first time. It was great,' he told Collins. He noted that director Paul Thomas Anderson and his castmates from One Battle After Another supported his decision. 'They know me, and they felt that it was better for my mental health,' Penn said, adding that 'everybody understood.'
Previous Rants and Controversies
Penn, known for his outspoken nature, has a history of controversial statements. In 2023, he criticized the standing ovation Will Smith received at the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock in 2022. 'Why did I go to f***ing jail for what you just did?' Penn asked, referencing his own arrest for punching an extra on the set of Colors in 1987. 'And you're still sitting there? Why are you guys standing and applauding his worst moment as a person?'
AI and Hollywood
He also took aim at Hollywood executives wanting to use artificial intelligence to replicate actors' likenesses and voices. 'So you want my scans and voice data and all that. OK, here's what I think is fair: I want your daughter's, because I want to create a virtual replica of her and invite my friends over to do whatever we want in a virtual party right now. Would you please look at the camera and tell me you think that's cool?'
9/11 Terrorists
In a chilling remark, Penn revealed how he would have dealt with those who financed the 9/11 terrorists. 'I'd have let White House counsel know that they are on vacation,' Penn said. 'I'm not consulting with them. If I have to go to prison, I'll go, but I'm going to kill them. I'm killing everyone that did this. But only them. And we know where the f*** they are.'
Penn's comments at the Tribeca Film Festival underscore his ongoing aversion to Hollywood's social scene and his willingness to speak his mind on contentious issues.
