Sean Penn criticises anti-gay protesters

Sean Penn has criticised the homophobic protesters who took issue with his Oscar win for the portrayal of openly gay politician Harvey Milk.

Penn beat Mickey Rourke to the best actor award for his performance in the lead role of Milk, which also won best screenplay at the ceremony.

The actor was met by a number of anti-gay individuals when he arrived at the Kodak Theatre, WENN reports.

He said: "It's becoming such an archaic, childish and cowardice (sic) position that they really start to look like clowns without the makeup on.

"It's something that's really easy to get angry at but you start to feel sad for them, and it's time to quiet them for the damage they do to others.

"It's kind of mind-boggling, the sophomoric level of thinking."

When he won his award, Penn jokingly thanked the "commie, homo-loving sons-of-guns" who voted for his performance.