Sean Justin Penn (born August 17, 1960) is an Acaemy Award- and Golden Globe-winning American film actor and director. He has also been nominated for three other Academy Awards in recognition of his roles in I Am Sam, Sweet and Lowdown and Dead Man Walking. In 2004, he was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is also well-known for his political activism and support of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.