Critics' Choice Awards 2020: Joaquin Phoenix addresses 'gun violence', hails 'vegan menu' after Best Actor win
Joaquin Phoenix won many hearts as he clinched the trophy of Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor on January 12 night at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar. This is his second win after the Golden Globes Award and his speech from the ceremony seems to be making waves yet again after the fiasco last time around.
Thanking director Todd Phillips and screenwriter Scott Silver, he said, "You took a comic book character and used it to talk about childhood trauma, gun violence, isolation, and mental health." He added, "Instead of inciting violence, you invited the audience in to see what it feels like when you're one of the forgotten." The 45-year-old made his stance clear as the movie was criticized for its depiction of violence and mental illness after its global release.
Giving credit to his mother, Heart Phoenix, he said, "I need to thank my mom. Mom, you've always been my greatest inspiration, even when self-pity led me astray." Expressing his love and gratitude for all she has done, he added, "You've never given up on me and I deeply appreciate your support."
What's more, he also addressed the choice of plant-based menu at the Critics Choice Awards night after 'Late Night' host and presenter Seth Meyers poked fun at the menu, saying how it was good "food critics" weren't in the room.
The actor hailed the decision of award show presenters to greenlit a plant-based menu. "First, I'd like to thank the awards for going plant-based and trying to offset our carbon footprint. It's really amazing message," he said. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he described his journey of turning into a vegan with his entire family after moving to Winter Park, Florida.
The other nominations for the category were Antonio Banderas ('Pain and Glory'), Robert De Niro ('The Irishman'), Leonardo DiCaprio ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'), Adam Driver ('Marriage Story') and Eddie Murphy ('Dolemite Is My Name').