CineFold

Sean Penn, 65, recently received a remarkable honor following his 2026 Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another. The actor chose not to attend the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, making this third Oscar win a distinctive moment in his career. Instead, Penn was photographed in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday, March 16, placing him out of the country when Kieran Culkin accepted the Best Supporting Actor Oscar on his behalf.

On Tuesday, March 17, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, CEO of Ukrainian Railways, presented Penn with an Oscars statuette crafted from the metal of a train that had been damaged during the ongoing events in Ukraine. “You’re missing Oscars… So we made this one,” Pertsovskyi said to Penn in a video shared by the BBC. “This is from the railcar that was affected in the conflict.” The gesture symbolized not only Penn’s absence from the ceremony but also his deep connection to the country and its people.

According to The New York Times, Penn traveled to Europe in the days leading up to the Oscars, with plans “as of late last week” to spend time in Ukraine rather than attend the show. Two sources who spoke anonymously confirmed the actor’s intentions, highlighting his commitment to meaningful engagement over traditional celebrations.

The meeting in Kyiv was further highlighted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 48, who shared a photo of himself with Penn. “Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is,” Zelenskyy wrote in the caption. “You have stood with Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale war. This is still true today. And we know that you will continue to stand with our country and our people.”

Penn has been a vocal and unwavering supporter of Ukraine and its leadership since February 2022. His dedication includes gifting one of his previous Academy Award statuettes to Ukraine, a gesture meant to symbolize solidarity and support. Reflecting on this in a 2023 Variety interview, Penn said, “I thought, well, you know? I’ll give them to Ukraine. They can find a meaningful way to use it.” His actions underscore a career marked not only by cinematic excellence but also by humanitarian engagement and personal advocacy.

Penn’s earlier Oscars include two Best Actor wins: one for Mystic River in 2004, and another for Milk in 2009. Each award has been a milestone in his long-standing career, and his decision to share one with Ukraine adds a layer of global significance to his accolades.

Brian Austin Green is reflecting on the story behind why he changed his name and the unusual method he used to choose his new stage name. The 52-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 alum shared the tale during the March 16 episode of Pod Meets World, hosted by Rider Strong, Danielle Fishel, and Will Friedle. He explained that his journey into professional acting required more than just talent—it required a new identity.

Green revealed that when he first started acting, he was simply Brian Green. However, upon attempting to join the Screen Actors Guild, he was informed that another actor with the same name was already registered. This meant he needed to adopt a new stage name to differentiate himself and ensure proper tracking of earnings and credits.

Reflecting on his early life, Green shared a humorous anecdote about his name at birth. “My mom had a whole name planned for me when she was pregnant, and I had really broad shoulders as a baby, so she had a real hard time in labor," he recalled. "And my dad, at that time, while my mom was in the middle of labor, came forward and said, ‘Can we name him Brian?’ My mom replied, 'Name him whatever you want, just get this kid out of me.'" Ultimately, the family decided not to give him a middle name.

The challenge of picking a new name was not easy. “Brian Green is not a very easy name to come up with a middle name for, where the whole thing flows very well,” Green admitted. After exploring numerous options, he ended up using a map to help him choose, and "Austin" seemed to fit perfectly. This small but meaningful change gave him the stage name the world knows today: Brian Austin Green.

Interestingly, Green has never met the other Brian Green who was registered with SAG before him. Reflecting on his younger years, he admitted, “I wished [for] his demise when I was younger, when I didn’t realize what all that entailed and I didn't realize that was a terrible thing to wish upon anybody." Over time, he recognized the importance of keeping that story in perspective.

Green is just one of many actors who have had to adapt their names for professional purposes. Emma Stone revealed in 2024 that she had to change her first name from Emily because another Emily Stone was already in SAG-AFTRA. Likewise, Michael Keaton, born Michael Douglas, chose his now-famous name in the 1970s by browsing a phone book, settling on one that felt reasonable and memorable.

Name changes may seem small, but for actors, they often play a crucial role in shaping their professional identity, helping them stand out in a crowded industry, and allowing audiences to remember them clearly. For Brian Austin Green, a simple glance at a map changed the course of his career in a way that continues to resonate today.

It’s officially a good day to embrace your inner “bag lady,” and if there’s anyone setting the tone, it’s Zoë Kravitz. The effortlessly cool 37-year-old star was recently spotted strolling through New York City with an oversized tote slung over her shoulder, proving once again that practicality and style can go hand in hand. This sighting came shortly after her walk across the Williamsburg Bridge with Harry Styles, adding even more intrigue to her already captivating street style moments.

Kravitz used the roomy carry-all as the finishing touch to her spring-ready outfit. She paired black slacks with sleek pointed-toe boots, an airy button-down shirt, and a timeless trench coat. The oversized tote didn’t just complement the look, it elevated it, making a strong case for embracing bigger bags and carrying everything you might need, and then some.

She’s not the only one leaning into this trend. Style icons like Jennifer Lawrence and Nicole Kidman have also been seen opting for spacious, functional bags that blend fashion with everyday convenience. Clearly, the era of tiny, barely-there purses is taking a backseat to something far more practical and just as chic.

Inspired by this shift, fashion lovers are turning to Amazon’s fashion section to find similar styles. From well-known brands like Kate Spade and The Sak to budget-friendly alternatives starting at just $15, there’s no shortage of options for anyone looking to upgrade their everyday carry.

One standout tote, currently priced around $30, has been winning over shoppers with its durable faux leather construction and thoughtful design. With both interior and exterior pockets, it keeps essentials neatly organized, while a secure zip closure ensures everything stays in place. Many users have praised its reliability, especially when carrying heavier items like laptops, making it a dependable companion for workdays and beyond.

Another fan-favorite option gained attention after being featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show host Oprah Winfrey’s coveted “Favorite Things” list. This tote stands out for its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. You can keep it classic with neutral tones or switch things up with bold colors like bright orange or gold for a playful twist. Its oversized shape makes it perfect for carrying everything from laptops and notebooks to even an extra pair of shoes, while the easy-to-clean nylon material ensures it remains low-maintenance yet stylish.

For those who want to channel Kravitz’s effortless vibe without spending much, there are plenty of affordable finds under $20. One particularly versatile option can double as a work tote, a weekend bag, or even a gym essential. It features a spacious main compartment, multiple inner pockets for smaller items like wallets and glasses, and additional exterior storage for quick-access essentials such as your phone or water bottle. It’s a practical, stylish solution that fits seamlessly into any routine.

All in all, the oversized tote trend is more than just a passing moment. It’s a celebration of functionality, comfort, and personal style, all rolled into one. With inspiration from Zoë Kravitz and other fashion-forward celebrities, there’s never been a better time to embrace bigger bags and carry your world with confidence.