As a two-time Oscar winner, Sean Penn has had to walk his fair share of red carpets over the years.

But for someone who famously dislikes the spotlight, how does he handle millions of photographers and reporters anxious for a photo and a quote: vodka tonics.

At his 3rd annual Help Haiti Home Benefit, which aims to help relocate Haitians displaced by the 2010 earthquake that killed over 100,000, Sean shared his secret to hosting such a high-profile event.

“Vodka tonic,” the actor said, pointing to the drink in his hand, “…more than that I’m excited about what will happen tonight.”

The event brought out some huge names in support of the organization, including Bono, who performed, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bette Midler, and Sean’s rumored girlfriend Charlize Theron.

When asked how it feels to have so many fellow actors there to support the cause, Sean replied:

“It’s great, I got to say this town has actually been very good, supportive of me, but of course more importantly supportive of what our organization has done in Haiti…”

But ultimately, the focus of the night was on what still needs to be done in the third-world country and recognizing the progress that has been made.

“When we first arrived in Haiti, we were managing a camp of upwards of 55,000 to 65,000 people, it was the biggest camp in Port Au Prince,” shared Sean. “A lot of rape, a lot of violence, a lot of dangerous storms— disease.

“…All of those people were relocated by our programs, so to walk through that now piece of land that used to be just wall-to-wall tents, that was pretty amazing.”