MILK wins Best Actor

Sean Penn has won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as gay activist Harvey Milk. The veteran actor

You commie, homo-loving sons of guns," Penn began in accepting the prize. "I did not expect this and I want it to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often."

Penn also acknowledged the anti-gay protesters outside of the Kodak Theatre, "I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone."

Milk also took out the award for best original screenplay, with the award going to Dustin Lance Black.

Milk tells the story of Harvey Milk, America's first openly gay man elected to public office, before being shot dead by a fellow City Supervisor.

It is Penn's second Academy Award for Best Actor, claiming his first in 2003 for his role in Mystic River. He has been nominated for the award a total of five times.