Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sean Penn
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sean Penn made an impact.
Sean Penn is a celebrated American actor and film director recognized for his intense performances. He has garnered significant acclaim, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also received an Honorary César in 2015, solidifying his influence and contributions to the film industry.
1986: Stars in Shanghai Surprise and Dedication of True Blue
In 1986, Sean Penn and Madonna starred in the poorly reviewed film "Shanghai Surprise". Also in 1986, Madonna dedicated her album "True Blue" to Sean Penn.
1995: Nomination for Dead Man Walking
In 1995, Sean Penn was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Dead Man Walking.
1999: Nomination for Sweet and Lowdown
In 1999, Sean Penn was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Sweet and Lowdown.
2001: Nomination for I Am Sam
In 2001, Sean Penn was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in I Am Sam.
October 18, 2002: Advertisement in The Washington Post
On October 18, 2002, Sean Penn placed a $56,000 advertisement in The Washington Post, publicly asking President George W. Bush to end military hostilities in Iraq and elsewhere.
December 2002: Brief visit to Iraq
In December 2002, Sean Penn visited Iraq briefly. His criticism of the Bush administration drew praise from his ex-wife Madonna.
2002: Protests Bush administration's Iraq plans
From December 13-16, 2002, Sean Penn visited Iraq to protest against the Bush administration's plans for a military strike.
2003: Academy Award for Mystic River
In 2003, Sean Penn won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Mystic River.
June 10, 2005: Visits Iran as a journalist
On June 10, 2005, Sean Penn visited Iran, acting as a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle and attended a Friday prayer at Tehran University.
September 2005: Aids Hurricane Katrina victims
In September 2005, Sean Penn traveled to New Orleans to aid Hurricane Katrina victims and was physically involved in rescuing people.
January 7, 2006: Guest at Progressive Democrats of America forum
On January 7, 2006, Sean Penn was a special guest at the Progressive Democrats of America, joining Norman Solomon and Cindy Sheehan at their "Out of Iraq Forum" in Sacramento, California.
December 18, 2006: Receives Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award
On December 18, 2006, Sean Penn received the Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award from the Creative Coalition for his commitment to free speech.
2006: Interviewed for Spike Lee documentary
In 2006, Director Spike Lee interviewed Sean Penn for Lee's documentary about Hurricane Katrina, "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts".
2007: Directors Guild Nomination
In 2007, Sean Penn received a Directors Guild of America nomination for directing Into the Wild.
August 2008: Attends Ralph Nader rally
In August 2008, Sean Penn attended one of Ralph Nader's "Open the Debates" super rallies, protesting against the exclusion of Nader and other third-party candidates.
October 2008: Visits Cuba and interviews Raul Castro
In October 2008, Sean Penn visited Cuba and interviewed then-Cuban president Raúl Castro.
2008: Supports Dennis J. Kucinich in 2008 election
In 2008, Sean Penn supported Ohio Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich in the U.S. presidential election.
2008: Academy Award for Milk
In 2008, Sean Penn won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Milk.
February 22, 2009: Academy Award for Best Actor
On February 22, 2009, Sean Penn received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Milk. During his acceptance speech, he advocated for equal rights, criticizing those who opposed gay marriage.
2010: Founds J/P Haitian Relief Organization
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Sean Penn founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which operated a 55,000-person tent camp.
January 31, 2012: Designated Ambassador-at-Large for Haiti
On January 31, 2012, Sean Penn was designated by Haitian president Michel Martelly as Ambassador-at-Large for Haiti, the first non-Haitian citizen to hold the position.
March 23, 2012: Visit to Flood-Stricken Villages in Pakistan
On March 23, 2012, Sean Penn, accompanied by U.S. Consul General William J. Martin, visited flood-stricken villages in the Badin District of Pakistan. He distributed essential goods, including blankets, quilts, and kitchen items, to flood survivors.
2015: Honorary César
In 2015, Sean Penn received the Honorary César for lifetime achievement.
January 9, 2016: Secret Interview with El Chapo
On January 9, 2016, Rolling Stone reported that Sean Penn and actress Kate del Castillo conducted a secret interview with the Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán prior to his arrest, a day after Mexican officials announced Guzmán's capture.
2016: Theron Stars in The Last Face
In 2016, Charlize Theron starred in Sean Penn's film "The Last Face", which they filmed while still in a relationship.
2018: Stars in The First
In 2018, Sean Penn starred in his first leading role in a television series, portraying Tom Hagerty, an astronaut in the Hulu science fiction drama "The First".
January 18, 2019: Hulu cancels The First
On January 18, 2019, Hulu canceled the science fiction drama series "The First", in which Sean Penn played the leading role of astronaut Tom Hagerty, after only one season.
2020: Cameo in Curb Your Enthusiasm
In 2020, Sean Penn made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm", season 10, titled "The Spite Store".
2021: Portrays Jack Holden in Licorice Pizza
In 2021, Sean Penn portrayed Jack Holden, an actor based on William Holden, in Paul Thomas Anderson's coming-of-age comedy-drama, "Licorice Pizza".
February 25, 2022: Statement on Ukraine
On February 25, 2022, amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sean Penn stated, "If we allow it [Ukraine] to fight alone, our soul as America is lost."
2022: Stars in Gaslit
In 2022, Sean Penn returned to television, starring in the Starz political thriller limited series "Gaslit" as John N. Mitchell, alongside Julia Roberts.
2023: Directs Superpower and stars in Daddio
In 2023, Sean Penn directed his first documentary film, "Superpower", profiling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and starred as a cab driver in Christy Hall's directorial debut, "Daddio".
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