One of the greatest actors of all time, Sean Penn was handed
the Academy Award® for best Performance by an actor in a
leading role, for his work in the film Milk, directed by Gus Van
Sant. Based on the true story of America’s first openly gay
politician, Sean Penn never ceases in his bravery and power as an
actor. Politically outspoken, as hate protesters picketed with
signs bashing gay and lesbian people outside of the awards
ceremony, Sean Penn rose to the occasion, using the platform of
the Oscar’s® to speak out against the foolishness of
discrimination and hate in all its ugly forms. We here look back
at a wonderful Oscar® acceptance speech, from a truly great
man:
SEAN PENN: ‘Thank you. Thank you. You
commie, homo-loving sons-of-guns. I did not expect this, but I
want it to be very clear, that I do know how hard I make it to
appreciate me often… and for those who saw the signs of
hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good
time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit
and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in
their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support.
We've got to have equal rights for everyone…
…And there are, these last two things. I'm very, very
proud to live in a country that is willing to elect an elegant
man president and a country who, for all its toughness, creates
courageous artists. And this is in great due respect to all the
nominees, but courageous artists, who despite a sensitivity that
sometimes has brought enormous challenge (like for) Mickey
Rourke, rises again, and he is my brother. Thank you all very
much.
Backstage, after the awards, Sean Penn interviews with the
press.
Q. Hi, Sean. Congratulations. You certainly
deserve the award. I wanted to ask you, what did you say to those
people who were holding those signs tonight, if you happen to go
back past Sunset and Highland and see some of those signs and
what they're saying?
SEAN PENNI'd tell them to turn in their hate
card and find their better self, you know. I think that these are
largely taught limitations and ignorances, this kind of thing,
and really, it's very sad in a way, because it's a demonstration
of such emotional cowardice to be so afraid to be extending the
same rights to a fellow man as you would want for yourself. I
would ask them not to tempt those of us who see something more
deeply than they are looking at it, as angry as they tend to be,
in a void.
Thank you.
Copyright © Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
© 2009, The Hollywood Sentinel. Used with permission with
kind courtesy of the 81st Academy Awards®.