Sean Penn Chokes Up, Thanks Obama, Clinton, Chavez and Castro While Accepting Award

Oscar winner receives award for his work in Haiti. Gives thanks to Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, among others

Sean Penn may have lots of critics, but he's one big bucket of teary-eyed gratitude.

It seemed like there was no one he didn't thank last night when he received the Humanitarian Award at the Hollywood Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel.

We're talking his kids, the U.S. military and even a communist…

Penn was presented with the award by U.S. Army Lt. General Ken Keen, who called the Oscar winning actor "selfless" in his work in the recovery of earthquake-stricken Haiti.

"I will never be able to say enough about the dignity and skills of the young men and women of the United States in their humanitarian mission in Haiti," said a choked-up Penn, who was given a standing ovation.

He went on to thank his daughter Dylan and son Hopper, "both of whom volunteered."

He also said. "This is going to sound funny. It might even make my friend Ken a little uncomfortable. But trust me the contributions of the following group were unified: Presidents Obama, Clinton, Préval, Chávez and Castro. All channeled their energies despite their differences and continue to in ways that directly support our actions."

Penn also called on U.S. businesses, especially green ventures, to invest in the Caribbean nation: "Bring technology to Haiti. Bring some of those jobs to Haiti...It will lead to an economic boom both in Haiti and the United States that even Silicon Valley has never seen."