Independent Spirit Awards 2009

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Mickey Rourke Wins, Gives Rambling Speech at Spirit Awards

Originally posted 02/21/2009 11:15PM

Comeback star Mickey Rourke got a standing ovation after giving a riotous, decidedly uncensored acceptance speech for winning the best actor award at the Spirit Awards on Saturday.

The Wrestler star, 56, dedicated the trophy to his beloved Chihuahua, Loki, who passed away last week. "I've just gotten thousands of letters from strangers and people that know me about my dog that died six days ago, Loki. This is for you, baby," said the actor, who has been riding a career resurgence thanks to his role as a washed-up prizefighter in the drama.

He gave an extended shout-out to his friend, actor Eric Roberts, calling Roberts "probably the best actor I have ever worked with. I don't know why in the last 15 years, no one has given him the chance to show his s--- again."

Roberts, the brother of Julia Roberts and father of Emma Roberts, has enjoyed a bit of a career resurgence with appearances in the The Dark Knight and Heroes. He was sitting in the audience and shouted to Rourke, "Accept your award!"

Rourke also thanked the film's director, Darren Aronofsky, and his costar, Marisa Tomei, whose name he momentarily forgot.

"Not many girls can climb the pole," said Rourke, referring to Tomei's role as a stripper in the movie. "She climbed the pole, and she did it well."

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