Joaquin Phoenix didn't exactly start off the awards season on the right foot, however, he's certainly beloved, his performance in "The Master" is titanic stuff, and he was still rewarded by his peers with an Oscar nomination for Paul Thomas Anderson's film. And while we'll leave it to the prognosticators to determine his chances against Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln," Phoenix has already come out on top in one competition.
Over the weekend, the London Critis' Circle Awards were handed out, and Phoenix beat Day-Lewis for Best Actor. And while he wasn't overseas to pick up the honor, the actor issued a pretty great little statement of thanks, while cheekily tipping his hat and giving respectful due to a certain "up-and-coming" actor. We'll just let you read the whole thing below and in case you missed it, here's the cover art for the forthcomg home video release of "The Master," which is coming with some great extras. [Huffington Post]
"I struggle with the idea of winning awards for acting. Stating I'm Best Actor for something as subjective as film seems strange to me. To the uninitiated it implies I'm solely responsible for the creation and implementation of the character. I am not. I suppose that's why we thank our colleagues. There are those who you all know such as Paul Thomas Anderson, to whom I am eternally grateful – a man who has persistently searched for the truth. I am fortunate to have been under his guidance. Philip Seymour Hoffman for his patience and advice. Amy Adams for being angry. Megan Ellison and everyone at Annapurna for their support of the film and ensuring that I was able to cover my mortgage. But there are many others who you do not know by name such as Mike Kenna, who I believe was the grip but he did 20 different jobs so I can't be sure; Adam Somner, the first assistant director; Karen Ramirez in the office; Tommy – I don't know your last name… there are too many to list. The truth is, you cannot separate my work from their's. We were a unit bolstered by the same goal: to do our part in helping Paul to achieve his vision. I view this award as recognition of all of our work. I am very cognisant of the fact that for me this award is an encouragement to continue my lifelong passion of being an actor. I will not squander this high regard. P.S. There's an up-and-coming actor named Daniel who's in a movie called 'Lincoln.' You should check it out."
