diff --git a/python/private/stage1_bootstrap_template.sh b/python/private/stage1_bootstrap_template.sh
index a984344647..36b8b67c37 100644
--- a/python/private/stage1_bootstrap_template.sh
+++ b/python/private/stage1_bootstrap_template.sh
@@ -285,8 +285,14 @@ fi
 
 export RUNFILES_DIR
 
+if command -v env >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  ENV_CMD="env"
+else
+  ENV_CMD="/usr/bin/env"
+fi
+
 command=(
-  env
+  "$ENV_CMD"
   "${interpreter_env[@]}"
   "$python_exe"
   "${interpreter_args[@]}"