Joaquin Phoenix Calls Academy Awards ‘Stupid’
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Jason Merritt/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Joaquin Phoenix is apparently not a fan of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and despite being twice nominated for an Oscar, the actor who is hotly tipped for a nod for The Master told Interview magazine he believes the annual awards ceremony is an exercise in self-congratulation.
“I think it’s total, utter bulls***, and I don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t believe in it,” he said. “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.”
Phoenix has been nominated for an Oscar twice, best supporting actor for playing a Roman emperor in Gladiator and best actor for his role as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.
“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,” Phoenix said. “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.”
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