Mickey Rourke is hoping Sean Penn lands the Best Actor Oscar over him - because he credits the Milk star with turning his life around.The pair is competing for the gong at this month's Academy Awards; Penn is nominated for his portrayal of American politician and gay rights activist Harvey Milk and Rourke for his turn in The Wrestler.

But Rourke is adamant he wants his pal to scoop the honour - because Penn helped him get his life back on track when he hit rock bottom battling drug addiction in the 1990s.

He says, "Sean Penn is a good friend of mine. When I was down and out, he got hold of me and told me exactly what to do and not to do. I owe him so much that I hope he wins the award."

Source: Press Release