In a career spanning2 over two decades, Sean Penn has become an American film icon3. At the 2003 Venice International Film Festival he was named Best Actor for his performance in 21 Grams4.
He has been nominated5 three times for the Best Actor Academy Award6, for his performances in Jessie Nelson’s I am Sam7, Woody Allen’s Sweet and Lowdown8, and Tim Robbins’ Dead Man Walking. The latter two performances also earned him Golden Globe Award nominations, and he received a third Golden Globe Award nomination for his work in Brian De Palma’s Carlito’s Way9. He has also received two SAG Award nominations (for I am Sam and Dead Man Walking).
Mr. Penn made his feature film10 acting debut11 in 1981 in Harold Becker’s Taps12. In 1982, he entered the pop-culture lexicon with his portrayal of Jeff Spicoli in Amy Heckerling’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High.13 He went on to appear in memorable roles in such films as John Schlesinger’s The Falcon and the Snowman14, James Foley’s At Close Range15, Dennis Hopper’s Colors16, Brian De Palma’s Casualties of War17, Phil Joanou’s State of Grace18, David Fincher’s The Game19, and Anthony Drazan’s screen version of Hurlyburly20 (for which he was named Best Actor at the 1998 Venice International Film Festival).
Mr. Penn expanded his role in the filmmaking process with the creation of his own production company, Clyde Is Hungry Films21. Through this company, he has produced and costarred22 in Erin Dignam’s Loved23, executive-produced and starred in Nick Cassavetes’ She’s So Lovely (for which he was named Best Actor at the 1997 Cannes International Film Festival24), starred in Oliver Stone’s U-Turn25, and produced and directed the critically acclaimed26 The Pledge27, starring Jack Nicholson.
His feature film directorial debut28 was 1991’s The Indian Runner29, which he also wrote and produced. His next film as director, 1995’s The Crossing Guard30, featured31 acclaimed portrayals by Jack Nicholson, David Morse, and Anjelica Huston (who received Golden Globe Award and SAG Award nominations for her performance). His fellow 21 Grams actor Benicio Del Toro appeared in both The Indian Runner and The Pledge.
Most recently, Mr. Penn wrote and directed the United States’ contribution to the multipart feature 11′09″01. The project brought together 11 directors from around the world to create short films in response to the horrific events of September 11th, 2001.32
He has appeared onstage33 in productions of Alfred Hayes’ Girl on the Via Flamina and Albert Innaurato’s Earthworms in Los Angeles. On Broadway, he performed in Kevin Heelan’s Heartland and John Byrne’s Slab Boys. He appeared in David Rabe’s Hurlyburly (at the Westwood Playhouse) and Goose and Tom-Tom (at Lincoln Center), directed by the author in both productions. More recently, Mr. Penn starred opposite34 Nick Nolte and Woody Harrelson in The Late Henry Moss, written and directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Sam Shepard.
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