Golden Globes: Joaquin Phoenix Makes Climate Change Plea in Best Actor Speech

Joaquin Phoenix was named best actor in a motion picture – drama at the 77th annual Golden Globes on Sunday night.

The Joker actor beat out Christian Bale (Ford v Ferrari), Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Adam Driver (Marriage Story), and Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes).

At the top of his acceptance speech, Phoenix gave a nod to his fellow nominees: “I know people say this, but I really do feel honored to be mentioned with you.” The actor also noted that while he has reached out to several of the nominees, Bale was one he felt “a little too intimidated by.”

In the first of a few censored moments from Phoenix’s speech, he added, “To my fellow nominees, we all know there’s no fucking competition between us.”

Giving thanks to director Todd Phillips, the actor said, “You convinced me to do this movie and you encouraged me to give everything and be sincere. I cannot believe you put up with me.”

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t want to rock the boat. But the boat is fucking rocked,” Phoenix said before stressing the importance of helping with climate change issues such as the ongoing bushfires in Australia.

“It’s really nice that so many people have sent their well wishes to Australia but we have to do more than that,” Phoenix emphasized.

“Hopefully, we can be unified and actually make some changes. It’s great to vote, but sometimes we have to take that responsibility on ourselves and make changes and sacrifices in our own lives. We don’t have to take private jets to Palm Springs for the awards,” the actor said.

While speaking with reporters backstage, Phoenix spoke on the possibility of a Joker sequel.

“I don’t think that I have ever done too many predictable things, so if that came up, it is not because we are following some rule book. It is because we feel inspired again to explore the character more thoroughly,” he said.

Of his character Arthur, Phoenix noted that in preparation for the role he was “curious about the medications and the side effects of the medications.” 

“I read several books about political assassins that share a similar personality type,” he added.

Phoenix also commented on the Globes’ vegan menu earlier in his acceptance speech, and continued his appreciation for the decision backstage.

“This is the first time I have ever eaten the food at this ceremony. I was so moved by the decision to make tonight plant-based,” he said. “The SAG Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, Governors Ball and whatever else there is need to do it as well. I think consuming animal products is no longer a personal choice. … I have never been so proud to attend an awards ceremony as I have tonight.”

Ricky Gervais hosted the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, which took place at the Beverly Hilton and aired live on NBC. 

Dick Clark Productions, which produces the Golden Globes, shares a parent company with The Hollywood Reporter.