Sean Penn has revealed why he no longer attends major Hollywood awards ceremonies saying the experience became emotionally exhausting and left him feeling increasingly uncomfortable.

Speaking during a conversation with Kaitlan Collins at the Tribeca Film Festival Penn said the culture surrounding celebrity events ultimately pushed him away from awards shows.

He described awards ceremonies as emotionally draining saying the fast-paced nature of the events creates anxiety and leaves little room for genuine interaction.

Penn added that he now avoids large social settings altogether and prefers spending time in much smaller groups.

The actor recalled attending the Golden Globe Awards earlier this year revealing that the experience confirmed his decision to step away from such events for good.

Penn who won Academy Awards for his performances in Mystic River and Milk said that even during his previous Oscar victories his strongest emotion was relief rather than excitement.

Instead of attending this year’s Oscars Penn travelled to Kyiv to show support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Watching the ceremony from afar he said allowed him to enjoy the event in a way he never had before.