Sean Penn Wins the Big Prize
February 23, 2009 by Sarah
Though it seemed Mickey Rourke was a shoo-in for Best Actor, Sean Penn took home the Oscar for his portrayal of slain gay politician Harvey Milk. In his acceptance speech, we are delighted he pulled no political punches. We are proud to present the speech in its entirety.
You Commie homo-loving sons of guns! I did not expect this, but I — and I want to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me. Often. But I — I am touched by the appreciation and I hoped for it enough that I scribbled down — so I have the names in case you were Commie homo-loving suns of guns. And so I, I wanted you to thank my best friend Sato Masuzawa. My circle of longtime support, Mara, Brian, Barry and Bob. The great Cleve Jones. Our wonderful writer, Lance Black. Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. And particularly, as all us actors know, our director either has the patience, talent and restraint to grant us a voice, or they don’t, and it goes from the beginning of the meeting to through the cutting room, and there is no finer hands to be in than Gus Van Sant.
Finally, for those — two last finallys — For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, 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’s 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. Mickey Rourke rises again, and he’s my brother. Thank you all very much.
[...] have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours.” During Sean Penn’s acceptance speech he also called attention to LGBT equality. “I think that it is a good time for those who [...]
[...] gave a great shout-out to those who voted to strip California’s gays and lesbians of their right to marry: For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, I think that it is a good [...]
[...] Take THAT! (Read his entire speech here.) [...]
[...] “For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, 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. [...]