If you’ve seen The Master, you’re probably well aware that Joaquin Phoenix most definitely deserves an award for his performance, as do his co-stars (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams). Despite this, the actor may find himself without any nominations at all come awards season.
Speaking with Elvis Mitchell at Interview, Phoenix explains why he doesn’t want to be placed on the awards circuit for the film and why he wants no part in it at all.
“I’m just saying that I think it’s bullshit. I think it’s total, utter bullshit, and I don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t believe in it. It’s a carrot, but it’s the worst-tasting carrot I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. I don’t want this carrot. It’s totally subjective. Pitting people against each other…It’s the stupidest thing in the whole world,” he says.
“It was one of the most uncomfortable periods of my life when ‘Walk the Line’ was going through all the awards stuff and all that. I never want to have that experience again. I don’t know how to explain it—and it’s not like I’m in this place where I think I’m just above it—but I just don’t ever want to get comfortable with that part of things.”
As good as Phoenix is in the film, the above comments may have ruined his chances at getting an Oscar nod, or any other nod for that matter. Most of these awards ceremonies are very political and with Joaquin Phoenix running around saying things like the Academy Awards are “utter bullshit”, I don’t think he’ll get very far with voters. I mean, it’s still possible that he’ll find himself with some nominations but these comments seriously hurt his chances.
Now, the actor does have two Oscar noms under his belt already, so he may not be as into pleasing voters as he once was, but still, his work in The Master is definitely worth of an Oscar and it’s too bad that the actor had to hurt his chances with the comments he made.
On the other hand, it does seem like he’s being honest, so more power to him for having the courage to speak his mind., it’s just too bad that his courage may come at the cost of a golden statue.
What do you think? Has Joaquin Phoenix ruined his chances at getting an Oscar?