Sean Penn has had enough of the Oscars’ shenanigans, and he’s not holding back. While being honored at the Marrakech Film Festival, the 64-year-old acting legend did what he does best—call it like he sees it, with the energy of someone who’s just finished a triple espresso and read too many think pieces on Hollywood.
Speaking to reporters, Penn accused the Academy of doing less for creativity than a sad playlist on shuffle. “The Academy’s like that one kid in group projects who just shows up but doesn’t contribute anything meaningful,” Penn said (not verbatim, but close). “They’ve become experts at squashing cultural imagination like it’s a bug at a picnic.”
He even called their bravery “extraordinarily cowardly,” which is the verbal equivalent of throwing a tomato at their pristine golden statue.
The “Meh-wards”
Penn didn’t mince words about the Oscars themselves. “I’m about as excited for the Academy Awards as I am for traffic on a Monday,” he quipped. But he did throw a few bones, mentioning flicks like The Florida Project and I’m Still Here as rare exceptions. “When a film like Emilia Perez breaks through, it’s like finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag—unexpected and glorious.”
He also hyped up Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice, calling it a masterpiece Hollywood is too chicken to embrace. “It’s amazing how scared this industry is of a brilliant film like that. Honestly, they’re as nervous as a Republican congressman trying to explain Wi-Fi to his grandma.”
Lifetime Achievement… and Unfiltered Opinions
Italian actor Valeria Golino presented Sean with his lifetime achievement award, but he didn’t let the warm glow of praise stop his truth bombs. “We keep hearing about diversity, but it’s surface-level,” Penn declared. “Where’s the diversity of thought? Of language? Of behavior? Everyone’s too busy being politically correct to remember how to have fun—or be real.”
His advice? “Be as politically incorrect as your heart desires.” Yes, he’s encouraging everyone to throw caution (and maybe some Oscars ballots) to the wind and tell stories that actually matter.
Sean wrapped up his tirade-tribute hybrid with gratitude, saying he’s proud to be telling stories and proud to be in Marrakech. And honestly? We’re proud to witness him continue his reign as Hollywood’s favorite loose cannon.