Mon 23 Feb 2009 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The film story of assassinated gay politician Harvey Milk has been awarded two Oscars – including Best Actor for Sean Penn's starring role. Winner: Sean Penn as Harvey Milk Sean Penn got the Best Actor gong for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, and the film's script by Dustin Lance Black also earned the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Outside the home of the Oscars – Hollywood's Kodak Theatre – there were several picketers in favour of California's recent decision to ban gay marriage. Penn blasted them in his acceptance speech: "For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their 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," he concluded. Milk had been nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, which went to Slumdog Millionaire. Sean Penn's acceptance speech is shown below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Monday, 23rd February 2009 - 6:12pm