MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — Sean Penn on Tuesday blasted the organizers of the Oscars for being cowards who, in effect, limit the kinds of films that can be funded and made. The 64-year-old actor said at the Marrakech Film Festival that he gets excited about the Academy Awards only on the rare occasion that films he values are nominated.

In a fiery speech at the Marrakech Film Festival, Sean Penn accused the Academy Awards of limiting artistic expression and cultural diversity, calling them cowards for their choices. He criticized the Oscars for their lack of support for innovative filmmaking and diversity within the industry.

One of the Middle East and North Africa’s largest film festivals is openiong in Morocco, drawing actors and directors from throughout the world to present 70 features from 32 countries

"I would just encourage everybody to be as politically incorrect as their heart desires," Penn said while also applauding Ali Abbasi's daring Donald Trump biopic "The Apprentice."

Sean Penn and his new girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, are red carpet official! Penn, 64, and Nicov, 30, walked the red carpet at the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival on Saturday, November 30. The famed actor sported a crisp black suit,

Jacob Elordi embraces the challenge of judging films at the Marrakech Film Festival, calling it "impossible to choose the best" but relishing the dream of watching two movies a day.