Joaquin Phoenix Tells Audiences To Watch Out For “Up-And-Coming Actor” Daniel Day Lewis
Joaquin Phoenix is one actor who always seems to be making waves during awards season. This year is no different, especially when he thanked “up-and-coming actor” Daniel Day Lewis during his recent acceptance speech.
While on stage accepting the London Critics’ Circle Award for Best Actor this weekend, Phoenix gave a rousing acceptance speech that seemed to finally explain his viewpoint about awards season being “total, utter bullshit”. (There are a lot of people that work to make his performance look amazing…it’s not just a one man job.)
However, after thanking all those people who helped make his performance of Freddie Quell special, Phoenix inserted a little joke about Oscar frontrunner Daniel Day Lewis:
“P.S. There’s an up-and-coming actor named Daniel who’s in a movie called ‘Lincoln.’ You should check it out.”
While many took the comment as an in-joke concerning Day-Lewis being the obvious favorite for the Best Actor Oscar, a few wondered if the remark was a bit more pompous and egotistical. (I happen to agree with the former, and like the fact that Phoenix could joke about the race, but you decide for yourself…)
The full statement, which starts off beautifully acknowledging all those around Phoenix, is below. Let us know what you think.
“I struggle with the idea of winning awards for acting. Stating I’m Best Actor for something as subjective as film seems strange to me. To the uninitiated it implies I’m solely responsible for the creation and implementation of the character. I am not. I suppose that’s why we thank our colleagues. There are those who you all know such as Paul Thomas Anderson, to whom I am eternally grateful – a man who has persistently searched for the truth. I am fortunate to have been under his guidance. Philip Seymour Hoffman for his patience and advice. Amy Adams for being angry. Megan Ellison and everyone at Annapurna for their support of the film and ensuring that I was able to cover my mortgage. But there are many others who you do not know by name such as Mike Kenna, who I believe was the grip but he did 20 different jobs so I can’t be sure; Adam Somner, the first assistant director; Karen Ramirez in the office; Tommy – I don’t know your last name… there are too many to list. The truth is, you cannot separate my work from their’s. We were a unit bolstered by the same goal: to do our part in helping Paul to achieve his vision. I view this award as recognition of all of our work. I am very cognisant of the fact that for me this award is an encouragement to continue my lifelong passion of being an actor. I will not squander this high regard. P.S. There’s an up-and-coming actor named Daniel who’s in a movie called ‘Lincoln.’ You should check it out.”
The 84th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on February 24th, 2013. Make your bets now.