American actor SEAN PENN is already being tipped as a strong OSCAR candidate for his role as a retarded man fighting to keep custody of his child.

In the forthcoming movie I AM SAM (2001), the tough-guy star improvised throughout his performance, urged on by director JESSIE NELSON - which left the cast and crew deeply touched.

Penn's co-star LORETTA DEVINE says, "Oh my God, it's just heart- wrenching. People would be crying on the set. Sean is just amazing in it. " I Am Sam (2001) also features WHAT LIES BENEATH (2000) star MICHELLE PFEIFFER, who play's Penn's attorney. (RGS/LA/RP)

Source: WENN