Arnold Schwarzenegger has reassured Sylvester Stallone he is a "winner" following his friend's surprise failure to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone
The 69-year-old actor had been tipped to take home the accolade for his role in 'Creed' last night (28.02.16) but 'Bridge of Spies' star Mark Rylance was a shock winner, prompting a mixture of cheers and stunned silence from the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles when his name was read out.
And now the former Governor of California has spoken up in support of his 'Expendables' co-star, insisting he is "the best".
In an Instagram video, Schwarzenegger said: "Sly, no matter what they say, remember, to me you are the best.
"You were the winner, I'm proud of you."
The 'Terminator' actor wasn't the only star surprised by the 'Bridge of Spies' actor's victory.
Mia Farrow tweeted: "Mark Rylance is wonderful!! I just assumed Sylvester Stallone would win."
Larry King posted: "The biggest shock of the night was Stallone not winning...
#itsmy2cents (sic)"
'Extra' presenter Mario Lopez wrote: "Stallone winning was what I was most invested in tonight. Rocky has done so much for people#Robbery #PeoplesChamp (sic)"