Sean Penn Called 'Arrogant' For 'Chain-Smoking' At Golden Globes Despite Three Warnings: 'Listens To No One'

At the 2026 Golden Globes, Sean Penn reportedly defied repeated staff warnings by smoking throughout the ceremony, casually flicking cigarettes into water glasses while seated among other stars.

The actor's actions have drawn severe backlash, with insiders branding him as an "arrogant" man who never listens to instructions.

Known for openly smoking at events, Sean Penn's antics didn't overshadow the success of "One Battle After Another," which won four awards at the Golden Globes.

'Arrogant' Sean Penn Ignored Several Warnings And Smoked Freely At The 2026 Golden Globes

Penn appeared unfazed by venue rules at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, repeatedly smoking throughout the ceremony despite being told to stop multiple times.

According to insiders, the 65-year-old actor was approached on three separate occasions by event staff and asked to put out his cigarette, requests he allegedly ignored without hesitation.

"Arrogant. Listens to no one. You and I would have been kicked out," one source told journalist Rob Shuter's #Shuterscoop. "But different rules for celebrities."

This can’t be legal. pic.twitter.com/hBp0D7O6jt

— Ben Fritz (@benfritz) January 12, 2026

Penn, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for "One Battle After Another," reportedly continued lighting up as the night went on, casually flicking cigarettes into nearby water glasses while seated among fellow celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio.

Witnesses said smoke drifted across the front rows of the Beverly Hilton ballroom as staff debated how to handle the situation.

"He was indifferent to the warnings. He kept chain-smoking like it was nothing," another insider said. "Staff didn't know whether to enforce the rules or just let it slide."

The Actor Is 'Notorious And Unapologetic' About His Smoking Habits At Events

Those familiar with Penn's public behavior weren't surprised. The actor reportedly has a reputation for smoking openly at industry events, from press junkets to festival appearances.

He was seen doing the same during a 2025 outdoor interview and again in 2024 at the Marrakech Film Festival, where he criticized the Oscars while smoking a cigarette.

Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, the evening proved successful for "One Battle After Another," which walked away with four awards, including Best Motion Picture —Musical or Comedy.

"He's notorious and unapologetic. Rules clearly don't apply to A-list rebels like Sean Penn," a source remarked.

Nikki Glaser Took A Playful Jab At Sean Penn At The Award Event

Smoking wasn't the only thing that drew attention to the famous actor at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.

During host Nikki Glaser's opening monologue, the comedian poked fun at Penn's unconventional approach to Hollywood beauty standards.

She joked that, unlike most stars who seek ways to maintain their youth and beauty, Penn does the opposite by seemingly working to look like a "leather handbag."

"Everyone in this town is obsessed with looking younger, but Sean Penn is like, 'What if I slowly morph into a sexy leather handbag?" Glaser quipped. "It's hot. It's good."

The Movie Star Talked About' Liking Acting' Again After Previously Falling Out Of Love With The Art Form

In a recent interview with W Magazine, Penn discussed his role as a military officer in "One Battle After Another."

When asked about preparation, he explained that his prior experiences had already immersed him in that world.

"As for any preparation, this one felt like, 'Shut up, Sean. Stay out of their way,'" he said.

He also reflected on his evolving relationship with acting.

"Eighteen years ago, when I did 'Milk,' was the last time that I enjoyed the work," he said. "But you want to be participating in something that is of your current interest, and with people who are surprising. Because of Paul's movie, I'm in a stage of liking acting. But I've always got carpentry to fall back on. And surfing."

Back in 2018, in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Penn admitted that he had grown disillusioned with Hollywood.

"The thrill is gone," he told Tracy Smith. "It can be great when you're working with good actors or good directors or good writing as an exercise. But do I have a belief that it has a lasting value? Maybe I could make the argument intellectually. But I don't have a visceral - I'm not in love with that anymore."

Sean Penn Raised Eyebrows For His Comments About Working With Woody Allen Despite Abuse Allegations

Last year, Penn revealed he would consider working with Woody Allen despite the longstanding allegations of sexual abuse against the filmmaker.

Speaking on "The Louis Theroux" Podcast, Penn said, "I love that movie. I'd work with him in a heartbeat if it was the right thing."

Allen has faced accusations of sexual abuse from his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow.

Commenting on the claims, Penn noted, "I don't know anyone well enough to say 100% this didn't happen or that didn't happen or something. God forbid you're wrong, and there is a victim involved, right? I haven't read everything, but the stories are mostly told by people who I would not trust with a dime. It seems so heavily weighted in that way."

At the time, his remarks drew severe backlash, with critics online slamming Penn for seemingly praising the disgraced filmmaker.