Washington, March 20 (RHC) – The Oscar Award-winning actor Sean Penn has strongly criticized the U.S. government for its economic blockade against Cuba.

During an interview on the "Conan" show on Wednesday, Penn referred to Washington's economic sanctions on Cuba as “archaic.”

Penn spoke excitedly about the change that the thaw in relations between his country and the Caribbean island could bring. “There’s certainly going to be real change in Cuba,” Penn said. “The Cuban people have incredible spirit and incredible intelligence and are very bright.  Among the positive things the revolution brought is literacy. I think it’s going to be a very exciting change in what they can bring to us culturally.”