Actor and political activist Tim Robbins earned Hollywood's blessing with his win of the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in Clint Eastwood's dark drama, Mystic River.
The often outspoken Robbins won his first Academy Award for his portrayal of a man tortured by memories of childhood abuse who becomes embroiled in the investigation into the murder of an old friend's daughter.
In accepting his golden statuette from last year's best supporting actress winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, he made a direct appeal to frightened victims of child abuse to speak out against their tormentors.
"In this movie I play a victim of abuse and violence and if you are a person who has had that tragedy befall you, there is no shame and no weakness in seeking help and counselling.
"It is sometimes the strongest thing you can do to stop the cycle of violence," he told the audience and up to a billion television viewers watching the 76th annual Academy Awards show.
Robbins, 45, who has never been nominated for an acting category, although he has been nominated as a director, also thanked his longtime partner, Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and his director, Hollywood legend Eastwood.