Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a virtual appearance at the Golden Globe Awards. Zelensky was introduced by actor and director Sean Penn, best known for his Academy Award-winning performances in Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008). The “Gaslit” star met with Zelensky in Kyiv last November to express his support for the war-torn country and filmed a documentary for his studio Vice earlier this year.
“From the other-worldly courage of young Iranians rising,” Penn said to the crowd. “To the ever persevering women’s movement of Afghanistan. We are reminded, in no uncertain terms, that the freedom to dream is not simply a human luxury but rather a human need that must be fought and sacrificed for. If the freedom to dream were a spear, I proudly present a human being who tonight represents that spear’s most honed tip.”
Zelenskyy then addressed the audience via recorded message recalling the start of the Golden Globes in 1944. “The second World War wasn’t over yet, but the tide was turned, all knew who would win. There were still battles and tears ahead, it was then when the Golden Globes awards appeared to honor the best performers of 1943,” Zelenkyy said.
Zelensky’s appearance at the Golden Globes comes a week after the White House pledged $3.75 billion in military aid to Ukraine and neighboring NATO countries. Laura Cooper, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, told the U.S. Department of Defense, “The war in Ukraine is now at a critical time, and to help Ukrainians continue to resist Russian aggression, we can have to do what I can,” she said. Press release.
