Little Miss Sunshine Oscar winner Alan Arkin wanted his young co-star Abigail Breslin to lose for Best Supporting Actress because an Academy Award win would ruin her childhood.

The 72-year-old played Breslin's grandfather in the film and insists he has the child star's best interests at heart.

He told Access Hollywood on the red carpet before the ceremony, "I hope she loses frankly. No, I'm serious. I am not joking.

"What, next year the Nobel Prize? It's enough. She has had enough attention."

Arkin says he just wants the 10-year-old to enjoy her childhood innocence adding, "I love her and I love her family. I feel enough is enough. She is a kid, she needs to have a childhood."

Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson eventually ended up winning the prize over Breslin.