Sean Penn caught smoking at his table during the Golden Globes 2026

A photo of Penn, 65, then began circulating on the internet, where he could be spotted pulling from his cigarette while Leonardo DiCaprio chatted away with Kate Hudson.

Many netizens then pointed out on social media the behind-the-scenes moment they could tell someone was smoking inside the theater, with one person writing via X, “Wait the waft of smoke I saw appear on screen when kpop demon hunters accepted their award was from SEAN PENN SMOKING FRONT ROW?!”

While a second person questioned, “Did anyone else see the smoke when they were accepting the award for animated feature film ?! Cause i thought someone was vaping but whole time it’s Sean Penn smoking a cig?!”

And a third commented, “Find someone who loves you like Sean Penn loves cigarettes.”

Penn sneaking in a cigarette — or two — during a public appearance is not a rarity, as the actor has been caught smoking on red carpets, as well as press conferences and interviews.

Vanity Fair recalled their summer 2025 conversation with the “Mystic River” actor, where he “smoked through [their] interview,” but at least they were “sitting outdoors.”

In December 2024, Penn went on an anti-Oscars rant — and chain-smoked — during a press conference at the Marrakech Film Festival.

Penn was up for a Golden Globe for best performance by a male actor in a supporting role in any motion picture for “One Battle After Another.”

The award ultimately went to Stellan Skarsgård for his role in “Sentimental Value.”

However, “One Battle After Another” won four awards, including best motion picture — musical or comedy, best director, best screenplay and best supporting female actor.