By NBC News
Sean Penn sparked controversy Sunday by making what some alleged was a “racist” joke at the expense of the Mexican director of “Birdman,” the film which won four Academy Awards.
The two-time Oscar-winning actor asked the audience: “Who gave this son of a b***h a green card?” before revealing “Birdman” had triumphed as best picture. The movie was directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who was also honored in that category.
Inarritu and Penn are friends, having worked together on “21 Grams.” Inarritu later told reporters backstage that he found the joke “hilarious…”
Read the rest of the story from our partners at NBC News
Read next: Watch the Cast and Crew of Birdman Celebrate Their Best Picture Win at the Oscars
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- 22 Essential Works of Indigenous Cinema
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com