Sean Penn skips Oscars over anxiety, selfie backlash

Actor Sean Penn has explained his absence from this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, citing social anxiety and a commitment to his mental health, while also drawing criticism for his stark comments about celebrity selfie culture. Penn, 65, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in March for his role in “One Battle After Another” but was not present to accept the award.

Speaking at a Tribeca Festival event in New York moderated by CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, Penn said he deliberately timed a trip to Ukraine to coincide with the Oscars broadcast. He described large gatherings like awards shows as “anxiety and dread-inducing” and said he has imposed a lifelong rule to avoid designated groups of more than eight people. He explained that such events create social discomfort for him, noting the fast-paced interactions leave little meaningful time with individuals.

Penn said he reached his decision after attending the Golden Globes earlier this year, an event he had never before experienced. He stated that the best feeling he could previously muster at award ceremonies was relief upon winning, due to the collective effort of his colleagues. After discussing his plans with his “One...