In 2008, Joaquin Phoenix pretended to walk away from Hollywood. It was a charade exit, part of his fake documentary, “I’m Still Here.” Sunday at the Oscars, Phoenix will be up for Hollywood’s highest honor.
The 45-year-old is nominated for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in “Joker.”
The nomination is the fourth the Academy has conferred on Phoenix. Two previous recognitions in the leading role category came for “The Master” (2012) and “Walk the Line” (2005). His first nomination as a supporting actor was for “Gladiator” (2005). Phoenix has never won an Oscar.
In January, 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper profiled the often interview-adverse actor. In an unaired video, Phoenix reveals how accolades were not part of his upbringing.
“I didn’t have any experience with the idea of trophies, or the idea of this represents your success,” Phoenix told Cooper. “It was never a part of my life.”
What may have been absent from his childhood has become synonymous with Phoenix in 2020. In the last month, the actor has garnered a Screen Actors Guild Award and British Academy Film Award. At both ceremonies, his impassioned speeches went viral.
© 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
