Los Angeles, Jan 5 (IANS): Actor Brad Pitt displayed his singing talent with an impromptu performance at Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Pitt was applauded with claps and cheers from the audience after the performance at the event, which was held Saturday, reports mirror.co.uk.

The "World War Z" actor took the stage to present "Selma" actor David Oyelowo with the Breakthrough Performance Award for his portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Before giving the award, Pitt addressed the audience, saying: "I also know that with any great film, any great performance, comes controversy and questions.

"I know that there is one lingering question in the back of your minds. It's a fundamental question. I think it's only fair that we air it out tonight. And that question is: how the hell do you pronounce his name," he added.

The 51-year-old then started crooning to the tune of "Ole, Ole, Ole".

"You know you've broken through when Brad Pitt sings your name," Oyelowo said.

Pitt is one of the producers of "Selma", which is a chronicle of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march in 1965.