He may be known as the bad boy of Hollywood, but there's no denying that career-wise Sean Penn is rightly dubbed a powerhouse performer. His intense portrayal of an anguished father seeking revenge for his daughter's murder in Clint Eastwood's Mystic River (2003) won him an Oscar for Best Actor. The actor will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival. Image Credit: Rex Features
Dubai: Sean Penn will not attend the Dubai International Film Festival as previously planned because he has flown to Haiti "to check on his staff and camp", festival organisers announced on Monday.
The star had been due to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and attend a public question and answer session on Monday evening, but now will no longer travel to Dubai.
"The Dubai International Film Festival regrets to inform its fans that Lifetime Achievement Honoree Sean Penn is unable to attend DIFF 2010 due to the political situation and upheaval in Haiti following the recent election. Mr Penn has flown to Haiti to check on his staff and camp,” said Diff in a statement.
Penn founded the J/P HRO Camp in the poverty-stricken nation following the devastating earthquake there in January. The country has been beset by problems since, with a cholera outbreak and unrest following the recent elections.
"I am honored to receive the Dubai Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and had every intention of being there to accept it in person," said Penn in a statement. "Regretfully, the situation in Haiti has worsened and it was of the utmost importance that I be there to ensure the safety of my staff and the J/P HRO camp. I look forward to attending Dubai’s Festival in the future."
Diff says they are contacting ticket holders for the In Conversation with Sean Penn event. Tickets can be exchanged for Diff screenings or refunded.
