What's After the Movie
Sean Justin Penn (born August 17, 1960) is an acclaimed American actor and film director. Known for his intense leading roles in films, he has garnered numerous accolades in his career, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for three BAFTA Film Awards. Penn received an Honorary César in 2015. He made his feature film debut in Taps (1981), and has taken roles in a wide variety of notable films including Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Dead Man Walking (1995), and Mystical River (2003). Making his directorial film debut with The Indian Runner in 1991, he has since directed critically acclaimed films like The Crossing Guard (1995), The Pledge (2001) and Into the Wild (2007). Beyond his film work, Penn has engaged in political and social activism, such as his criticism of the George W. Bush administration, his attention to the Russo-Ukrainian War, and his humanitarian work during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Penn was born in Santa Monica, California, to actor and director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan. His early life revolved around filmmaking with his childhood friends including actors Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen. He first appeared in the 1974 television series Little House on the Prairie and made a Broadway debut in 1981. He defined his career as a serious actor with his role in Bad Boys (1983), and has since been celebrated for his ability to develop in-depth, compelling characters on screen. He is one of Hollywood's most well-rounded talents, with his work spanning four decades, various genres, and numerous standout performances.
Learn more about Sean Penn, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Sean Penn rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Sean Justin Penn
Born: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Citizenship: United States of America
Birthday: August 17, 1960
Occupations: Actor, Film director
Years Active: 1974-present
Children: 2
Spouses: Madonna, Robin Wright, Leila George
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Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Sean Penn has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy (Supporting Actor)
Carlito's WayThe Tree of Life
Licorice Pizza
The Interpreter
Dogtown and Z-Boys
The Thin Red Line
Carlito's Way
The Assassination of Richard Nixon
Milk
This Must Be the Place
Dead Man Walking
State of Grace
The Gunman
It's All About Love
Fair Game
21 Grams
Shanghai Surprise
At Close Range
Mystic River
Bad Boys
Colors
The Game
U Turn
The Weight of Water
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
She's So Lovely
The Falcon and the Snowman
The Professor and the Madman
Flag Day
I Am Sam
Sweet and Lowdown
Gangster Squad
Casualties of War
All the King's Men
This So-Called Disaster: Sam Shepard Directs the Late Henry Moss
Racing with the Moon
Citizen Penn
We're No Angels
Superpower
Asphalt City
Daddio
Woody Allen: A Documentary
Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey
The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles
Beaver Trilogy Part IV
Sound of Sun
Return to the Wild: The Chris McCandless Story
Beaver Trilogy
Searching for Debra Winger
Rosy-Fingered Dawn: A Film on Terrence Malick
A Constant Forge
Dennis Hopper: Create (or Die)
Inside Björk
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing
Pauly Shore Is Dead
This So-Called Disaster
21 Grams: In Fragments
Brando: The Documentary
Cool Blue
The Killing of Randy Webster
The Beaver Kid 2
Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Crackers
Charles Bronson: The Spirit of Masculinity
Judgment in Berlin
Gaslit
Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Crackers
Charles Bronson: The Spirit of Masculinity
Judgment in Berlin
Madonna: The Name of the Game
The Last Party
Reliving Our Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Hugo Pool
Witch Hunt
Sean Penn, l’enfant terrible de l’Amérique
Hurlyburly
The People Speak
Gonzo Girl
What Just Happened
Track the complete movie timeline of Sean Penn, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2020
Charles Bronson: The Spirit of Masculinity
Self (archive footage)
Charles Bronson: The Spirit of Masculinity
Self (archive footage)
2014
Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey
Self
The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles
Self
Return to the Wild: The Chris McCandless Story
Himself
2004
The Assassination of Richard Nixon
It's All About Love
This So-Called Disaster: Sam Shepard Directs the Late Henry Moss
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing
Self
21 Grams: In Fragments
Self
2003
21 Grams
Mystic River
Dennis Hopper: Create (or Die)
Self
Inside Björk
Self
Pauly Shore Is Dead
Sean Penn
This So-Called Disaster
Ray
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