logo
Getty Images.
Getty Images.

Joaquin Phoenix Gave Special Shoutout to His Mom after Bagging 2020 Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor

Odette Odendaal
Jan 14, 2020
12:30 P.M.

Joaquin Phoenix's performance as the homicidal clown in "Joker" has the actor on a winning streak after winning the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor on Sunday night.

Advertisement

Earlier this month, Joaquin walked away with a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, and he followed it up with another win at Sunday night's Critics' Choice Award ceremony.

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HIS PERFORMANCE

His riveting performance as Arthur Fleck in "Joker" didn't come easy, and Joaquin made sure to thank his "greatest inspiration" during his acceptance speech, as he said:

Advertisement

“I need to thank my mom. Mom, you’ve always been my greatest inspiration, even when self-pity led me astray. You’ve never given up on me and I deeply appreciate your support.”

Joaquin Phoenix attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Joaquin Phoenix attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images.

The 45-year old actor also thanked Scott Silver, the film's screenwriter, by noting how he used a superhero to address issues of gun violence, trauma, and mental health.

HOW JOAQUIN APPROACHED HIS ROLE

Joaquin's mentally ill character, Arthur Fleck, turned to crime and violence after failed attempts to become a comedian, and the actor shared that getting into character "was a long process."

Advertisement

Instead of a linear approach to his role, Joaquin focused on the medication someone like Arthur would be on. He familiarized himself with the effects, and the side effects it would have, as he elaborated:

“I think the way I worked on this was quite erratic. I didn’t attack it linearly. I dug into understanding medication and the side effects of what he was taking so that was the beginning. I read several books about political assassins that share a similar personality type.”

Joaquin Phoenix attends the "Joker" premiere during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 09, 2019, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images.

Joaquin Phoenix attends the "Joker" premiere during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 09, 2019, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images.

A RECORD-BREAKING FILM

"Joker" reportedly became the first R-rated film to blast past $1 billion at the box office worldwide. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film received critical acclaim when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival in August, and again at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year.

Advertisement

During a recent interview with "60 Minutes," Joaquin shared that his late brother, River Phoenix changed his perspective on acting and added that he felt a connection to River in just about every film he made.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

River became a household name due to his acting in “Stand by Me” during the 1980s and 1990s. Joaquin continued a part of his brother's legacy by becoming one of the most recognizable actors in showbiz known for portraying complicated, dark characters.

Joaquin Phoenix had his breakthrough role with “Gladiator” in the 2000s, and since also became known as an eccentric actor who doesn't hesitate to push boundaries for the sake of his work.

The 45-year-old also has a no picture rule when it comes to his fans. While it may seem like another eccentricity, Joaquin shared that he would rather have a real moment of connection and conversation with a stranger, than being a famous face collected.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Jennifer Aniston Reveals How She Wants Fans to Honor Late Co-star Matthew Perry’s Passing

January 17, 2024

Ryan Gosling Never Appears with Partner & Mom of His 2 Kids Anymore — Inside Their Decision

January 17, 2024

‘Home Alone’ Cast Then & Now: What Became of the Actors from the Iconic 1990 Christmas Movie

December 07, 2023

Cillian Murphy Remains Faithful to His Very Private Wife of Nearly 2 Decades — What Does She Look Like?

February 29, 2024

Cillian Murphy Remains Faithful to His Very Private Wife of Nearly 2 Decades — What Does She Look Like?

February 29, 2024

Cillian Murphy Remains Faithful to His Very Private Wife of Nearly 2 Decades — What Does She Look Like?

February 27, 2024

John Goodman Moved to Raise Daughter Far from Showbiz — At 71, He's Sober & 200 Pounds Lighter

November 24, 2023

This Girl Was Told She Was 'Not Pretty Enough' for Film Yet She Won 2 Oscars & Raised Sons Following in Her Footsteps

November 08, 2023

Kevin Costner’s Vacations at 160-Acre Ranch During Divorce — There Is Trap Door Leading To ‘Special’ Room

December 28, 2023

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 20, 2024

Michael J. Fox Gets up from Wheelchair at BAFTAs, Receiving a Standing Ovation & Making People Cry

February 19, 2024

Fielder Jewett Became Hunter Doohan's Husband after They Met on Tinder

December 06, 2023

'Home Alone' Star Macaulay Culkin's Lookalike Brother Experienced Fame 'Secondhand' as a Child — Details

January 17, 2024

How the Lives of the Main Cast of 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' Evolved in over Three Decades

December 06, 2023