Sean Penn accepted an Oscar for Best Actor for his role as slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk in Milk during The 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday night.

Sean was a gracious victor, commending fellow Best Actor nominee Mickey Rourke in his post awards press conference.

“I’ve known Mickey for over 25 years,” said Sean. “He’s somebody who had me quite literally weeping through his film The Wrestler. What’s sensational about him is that he’s one of our most talented, poetic actors.”