Coronavirus: Actor Sean Penn tests positive, director says

Actor Sean Penn has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, which caused him to skip Saturday night’s Directors Guild of America awards ceremony.

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The “Mystic River” actor, who recently filmed a documentary in Ukraine, has not publicly confirmed that he has COVID-19.

Penn, 61, had been scheduled to present director Paul Thomas Anderson with a special medallion for his nomination for best feature film (Licorice Pizza), according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Oscar-winning actor had a cameo in the film.

Standing on stage, Anderson explained why Penn was a no-show.

“Sean tested positive for COVID, which is kind of crazy considering what he’s done for all of us,” Anderson told the audience at the Beverly Hilton. “Like a World War I veteran coming home, slipping on a step. So, it’s a drag not to have him here. It’s a pleasure to work with him and all the actors. It’s the best part of this job that we all have.”

Penn’s ex-wife, Leila George, took the actor’s place and presented Anderson’s medallion, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Anderson lost out to Jane Campion, who won the best feature film award for “The Power of the Dog,” the entertainment outlet reported.

Penn returned to California after filming a documentary about Russia’s invasion, Vice Studios confirmed.

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Sean Penn In this March 27, 2018 photo, author-activist Sean Penn poses for a portrait in New York to promote his novel "Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff." (Photo by Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP) (Taylor Jewell/Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP)

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