Academy Awards ‘reject’ Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to appear on telecast

Academy Awards organizers and executives have reportedly turned down a request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to speak at the 2023 Academy Awards.

The 45-year-old comedian-turned-politician reportedly considered a virtual guest appearance at this Sunday’s 95th Academy Awards, but was turned down, Variety reported Thursday.

The 2023 Oscars are scheduled for Sunday, March 12.

WME agent Mike Simpson reportedly “appealed to the academy” to include Zelenskiy’s speech in the highly anticipated telecast but was rejected, according to sources.

The report also pointed out that this is the second year in a row that the Ukrainian president has unsuccessfully requested to speak at the Oscars.

Since Russia first invaded Ukraine last February, Zelensky has delivered high-profile speeches at award shows, including the 2022 Grammys and the Golden Globes in January.

Zelensky recently addressed attendees at the Berlin Film Festival, where Sean Penn’s film about his leadership during the war, superpowerwas screened for the first time.

Meanwhile, in September 2022, Zelensky’s team contacted the Toronto Film Festival about the leader’s appearance via satellite, but was rebuffed.

A TIFF spokesperson said at the time that the festival “does not comment on discussions with dignitaries, government officials or international embassies.”