Oscars 2020: Joaquin Phoenix crowned Best Actor for 'Joker', beats Antonio Banderas, Leonardo DiCaprio
Forget all the other razzmatazz at the 92nd Academy Award on Sunday night as Joaquin Phoenix takes center stage. It came as no surprise when the Academy Award for Best Actor was handed over to him for 'Joker'. Olivia Colman presented the trophy to him in an iconic moment.
As the hall burst with thunderous claps, Phoenix gave prominence to "racism" and "sexism" in his acceptance speech and said he wanted to give "voices to the voiceless." What's noteworthy is when he reminisced his brother, River Phoenix, and quoted his lyrics, "Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow."
This January, the 45-year-old announced that he would wear only one Stella McCartney tuxedo this 2020 awards season at all red carpets to promote sustainable fashion. It comes as a commendable move from the actor, who is also an outspoken environmentalist and animal rights supporter.
The actor won all the trophies for his performance this awards season, making way for the big Oscars win. Fans couldn't stop expressing their joy after the win. One viewer said, "Watching this Joaquin Phoenix acceptance speech and I’m ... not so sure ... he was acting in 'Joker'."
Another posted, "Is #JoaquinPhoenix about to run for President with that speech? Because I’m okay with that. #Oscars2020."
One tweet read: "I love Joaquin Phoenix and he absolutely deserved this Oscar. So glad he uses his speeches to give "voices to the voiceless." Love and compassion as the guiding principle. Help each other to grow and guide each other toward redemption. #Oscars2020."
All the other nominees in the category included Antonio Banderas ('Pain and Glory'), Leonardo DiCaprio ('Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood'), Adam Driver ('Marriage Story') and Jonathan Pryce ('The Two Popes').
Last year, Rami Malek created history by becoming the first actor of Arab heritage to win the Best Actor trophy for his performance as Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Born to Egyptian parents in Los Angeles, the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' star rejected several typecasting roles as a terrorist before finally being handed over the part.
At 6.30 pm, the red carpet special began and it was hosted by Billy Porter, Tamron Hall, Lily Aldridge and film critic Elvis Mitchell. Moreover, the red carpet started at 7.30 pm, which was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Like last year, Oscars decided to go hostless this time around as well.
The ceremony is being held at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday, February 9, 2020, and you can catch all the live updates on ABC.