Ace actor-filmmaker Sean Penn had threatened to destroy his Oscars if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not invited. Talking to CNN, Penn said that the Academy has an obligation to offer President Zelenskyy a platform to speak on Ukraine's struggles as the country continues to combat invasion by Russian military forces.?
Well, neither did Penn smelt his trophies and nor did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy get a chance to speak at the prestigious award shows. However, Zelenskyy delivered a powerful speech at the recently held Cannes Film Festival.?
Furthermore, he added, "On February 24, Russia began a war of huge proportion against Ukraine with the intention of going further into Europe¡ Hundreds of people die every day. They are not going to get up after the end clap¡?
"I say to everyone who hears me: do not despair; hatred will eventually disappear and dictators will die. We have to win this victory and we need cinema to ensure that this end is always on the side of freedom."
In his powerful message, Zelensky said, "The war. What¡¯s more opposite to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people".
Reflecting at the plight of Ukrainians, he added, "Our children draw swooping rockets, not shooting stars. Our 400 children have been injured and 153 children died. Our parents are happy to wake up in the morning in bomb shelters, but alive. Our loved ones don¡¯t know if we will be together again. The war doesn¡¯t let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence."
"Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals -- even to those who can't hear them. But the music will break through anyway."
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