Joaquin Phoenix finally ended his dry run at the Oscars as he picked up the best actor trophy for his performance in and as Joker at the 92nd Academy Awards.
The 45-year-old actor had earlier bagged a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his turn as a failed, unhinged stand-up comedian who descends into chaos.
In a lengthy and rambling speech, Phoenix touched upon issues such as racism, climate change and gender inequality.
He said the greatest gift of his life was having a “voice” and being able to support those who are “voiceless”. “I think, whether we’re talking about gender inequality, or racism, or queer rights, or indigenous rights, or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice. “We’re talking about the fight against the belief that one nation, one people, one race, one gender, or one species has the right to dominate, control and use and exploit another with impunity,” he said.
Admitting that he has been a “scoundrel”, “selfish” and “cruel” in the past, Phoenix said he is grateful to life for giving him a second chance.
“I think we’re at our best when we support each other, not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other toward redemption. That is the best of humanity,” he added. (PTI)
