Sean Penn is a great actor no question. But I think that the Academy made the wrong choice for Best Actor. Mickey Rourke's work in The Wrestler was outstanding. Penn's was too, but I think that he got the "important political statement" vote. For the record I am on Penn's side on this issue, but I just think that the Hollywood elite Academy wanted to make a statement on the issue of gay rights, and who better that the outspoken Sean Penn to give an passionate speech on the subject. Mickey Rourke's performance was one for the ages, his comback from obscurity was a great story, I think he was robbed!!! He should have been standing on that podium yesterday.

SEAN WON BUT I THINK HE WANTED MICKEY TO WIN

Sean Penn.
No question.

Mickey Rourke was subjected to a ton of physical abuse in The Wrestler, and yeah, he exhibited a few moments of tenderness, but his performance doesn't hold a candle to Sean Penn's performance in Milk. Penn *became* Milk, in all his sweetness, vulnerability, and courage. It wasn't an easy role to play; it was deeply nuanced and ran the entire gamut of emotions. With all due respect to Mr. Rourke, I saw one persona on screen: that of Mickey Rourke's. Since when are the Oscars a very special kind of Olympics? The comeback angle has been overplayed.

Sean, you were the best. Thanks for sharing Harvey Milk's story with those who never knew about it. It was an extremely important story to tell, and you did so with bravery and grace.

Both are great films, by great directors, with great leading roles. I love Gus Van Sant, he has made some brilliant films. Aronofsky is absolutely on the right track to a great career.

But Mickey is the man, hands down. Rourke is an inspiration to Penn, who still hasn't pulled off roles like The Motorcycle Boy or Hank Chinaski.

Good to see so many people interested, and the right films being showcased this year!

Well, already the Boston Society of Film Critics have given their prize to both: Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke, so why not the Oscar too? So, Sean and Mickey have at least one good reason to visit each other - no honestly, give it to both of them!

I vote for Mickey, an incredible performance

Frang Langella may have given the greatest performance of the year in Frost/Nixon. Its a shame he is not even being brought up in conversation.

Living is an endurance. We all know that. Does this film model Mickey's life in some ways? Maybe. Who else could play the part with such grace and humanity?

both gave great performances, but forget all this "tie" nonsense...there can only be one winner! and in this case, I think it should be Mickey Rourke, though I won't feel he got cheated if Sean Penn ends up winning. If Rourke doesn't win an Oscar now, he probably never will...this is a once in a lifetime thing for him (not that that's a reason to give him the award, it's just why I hope he'll get it)

Rourke broke my heart and Penn made me respect the gay men more. Both are unforgettable, but as far as a tie, It's like Capote vs Brokeback, Give it to the guy who worked harder to become the role, and that should be Rourke....

The Wrestler didn't even get a nomination for best picture! It was amazing, Rourke was amazing, Tomei was amazing... Sean Penn was great in Milk but he didn't move me the way Rourke did.

Sean Penn is unrecognizable as Harvey Milk, when looking into those eyes I only see Harvey - and Petey's, right, it is his greatest performance. Still - Rourke does that opposite, he puts enormous biographical elements into his character and performance, and it simply becomes heartrendingly real. Tie! It's the only fair thing to do.

Besides how hard he must have worked for the physical transformation, the pain he exuded jumped off the screen and into your mind....Rourke.

for all the people who are saying rourke no doubt.
have you even seen penn in milk?
i love rourke as i've been a fan since diner, pope, and barfly but i thought penn did a supreb job and people should have an open mind and give him a chance.
even if you don't like his
political ideas.
seperate the man from the art.

My vote to Mickey....he brought his character to life and you felt his pain. Mickey is more than just an actor. People can learn from his mistakes and he has been so honest about his life. He is trying so hard and has succeeded. His acting was great! People can't stop thinking about him and wishing him well. If he doesn't win the Oscar I will be so disappointed.

Penn is a win tie if you must.
Penn did Milk perfectly aready got he Brando Award best Actor for sure no doubt hands down no contest, sure fire, slam dunk bla bla bla bla,,,
come guys get you act together.. It's Penn in a walk the real thing.....Yah Yah Yah!!!

i DON'T LIKE SEAN PENN AND NEVER HAVE. HE'S A HEAD CASE AND I DETEST HEADCASES. MICKEY ROURKE, WAS A GREAT ACTOR IN NINE& A HALF WEEKS WAY BACK WHEN HE WAS PHYSICALLY YOUNG & HOT.

Sean Penn is a puke.

Rourke is an old guy and he did a superb job in The Wrestler, esp. for such an old guy who's gonna be 56 yrs old people - look at his physique. Amazing.

Rourke must win or else I'm boycottting the show.

wtf? Why is everyone wanting mickey rourke to win? He was alright and I would be happy if it was tie, but the performance of a lifetime is SEAN PENN IN MILK. and its feels good to honor harvey's legacy and gay rights in this time of history. In fact every other nominee for best actor should win except brad pitt.

From Barfly's "looking at you is like swallowing a penis for eternity" to "i'm a broken down piece of meat" It's mickey all the way.

I have no doubt this one's a close one, but can I pose a question?

How much is just hype during awards season? How can anyone possibly know the ebb and flow of people's opinions and decisions?

Sure there are countless award shows and events as key indicators, but don't media reports on awards "buzz" create the very "buzz" they're reporting on?

Does that make any sense?

Rourke's performance moved me. But it's the details of the performance that got me: the tiny glasses, the action figure, the old Nintendo system, and that money belt he wears.

Look at the way his body sags in exhaustion after the fights in the movie.

It's more than a performance.

But the Academy's all politics anyway.

I think this is one time both would be happy for a tie. I mean Rourke's not going to complain. Penn wil realize this means he may be able to win a third time,something that has eluded all other actors in this category, and even if one win would be shared, i think he'd take it.

Both Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn performed their hearts out in two of the best film performances of the past few years. It's hard to believe this is Rourke's first Oscar nomination, given his talent and duration of his career. "The Wrestler" is quite simply the performance of a career.

Penn won an Oscar for "Mystic River" but his performance in "Milk" is a more nuanced, performance. The Penn v Rourke showdown is oddly reminiscent of the Hoffman v Ledger of "Capote" and "Brokeback Mountain" a few years ago. Again, top acting talent in indelible roles, a tough choice. However, Ledger was heart rending while Hoffman was technically impressive.

Let's hope Rourke earned enough good will back to win this Oscar. He sure deserves it.

The academy will give it to the actor in the BETTER movie, which is Milk. Also, my, er, I mean Penn's performance is far more complex than Rourke's. Sorry, Rourke, you done good, but not good enough.

Mickey got my vote.

Mickeys is absolutelly fabolous...
Sean is an amazing actor, but his character could hurt some "good minds" in the Academy. Mickeys is gonna get the Award. For sure

i hope sean penn wins ...
mickey was great also but ...
my vote goes to sean