Sean Penn defends Donald Trump biopic in a scathing rant against the Oscars.

On Tuesday at the Marrakech Film Festival, Sean Penn expressed his disapproval of the Academy Awards.

At a press conference, Penn, 64, criticized the Oscars for limiting cultural expressions while expressing his support for the President-elect Donald Trump biopic, "The Apprentice," and chain-smoked on stage.

The Academy Award winner, who has won twice, stated that the Oscars should be viewed as television shows rather than measures of artistic achievement during a career tribute.

Penn stated through Variety that the Academy has displayed remarkable cowardice in its approach to being part of the broader world of expression, resulting in a significant restriction of diverse cultural expressions and limiting of imagination.

"I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the Academy Awards, except for when a film like 'The Florida Project,' 'I'm Still Here,' or 'Emilia Perez' is likely to happen this year."

"The Academy have exercised really extraordinary cowardice when it comes to being part of the bigger world of expression, and in fact, have largely been part of limiting the imagination and very limiting of different cultural expressions." — Sean Penn

He celebrated the controversy surrounding Ali Abbasi's "The Apprentice" film, stating, "something sneaks through, it’s to be celebrated."

"It's astonishing how this business of mavericks is afraid of a great film like that, with exceptional acting. Even they can be as afraid as a small-minded Republican congressman," he remarked.

"The Apprentice" chronicles Trump's journey to fame in the 1970s, depicting his relationships with Ivana Trump and Roy Cohn, portrayed by Maria Bakalova and Jeremy Strong, respectively. Sebastian Stan plays President-elect Trump.

At Sunday's gala, Penn was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his advocacy of freedom of expression.

Penn stated that there is a global demand for diversity, but not in terms of behavior, opinions, or language.

"I would like to encourage everyone to be as politically incorrect as they feel comfortable and to embrace diversity, while also sharing their stories. I am proud and happy to be here, and I appreciate your support."