Sylvester Stallone has congratulated Mark Rylance on his Oscar win.
Sylvester Stallone with Jennifer Flavin
The 69-year-old action legend had been the favourite to win the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa in 'Creed' but he eventually lost out to 'Bridge of Spies' star Rylance for his turn in Steven Spielberg's historical drama.
In the wake of his loss, Sly's brother Frank took to Twitter to blast the Academy's "bulls**t" decision to snub his older sibling.
But now Sly has taken to Instagram to make his thoughts clear on the matter, posting a photo of him meeting Rylance and writing: "Mark Rylance! Congratulations on your award ... could not go to a more consummate actor and gentlemen. It was a privilege . Keep punching, Mark! (sic)"
Sly - who is married to Jennifer Flavin - also defended Frank's social media outburst, writing in another Instagram post: "Please understand my brother is so emotional because he is just very protective and only wants the best for me. Life is good! (sic)"
Frank, 65, has now revisited Twitter to apologise to Mark, 56, insisting he didn't mean any disrespect to the British actor he just felt that Sly deserved the award for creating the Rocky character - who has appeared in seven films.
In a series of tweets, the songwriter wrote: "I want to apologize to Michael Rylance I was caught up in an emotional spin. I love my brother and wanted him to win so bad. im so sorry
"Not enough words on Twitter to apologize to Michael Rylance I'm an artist as well an we should cherish art not criticize it.
"Also I'd like to apologize to anyone I offended on Twitter. I was not being myself, just a brother sticking up for a brother. Peace Frank (sic)"
Tagged in Sylvester Stallone Mark Rylance