Career Timeline of Joaquin Phoenix: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Joaquin Phoenix built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Joaquin Phoenix is a highly acclaimed American actor, recognized for his portrayal of dark, unconventional characters, particularly in independent films. He has garnered significant recognition, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Grammy Award, and two Golden Globes, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading actors of his generation.
1979: Move to Los Angeles
In 1979, the Phoenix family moved to Los Angeles after Joaquin's father sustained a spinal injury, leading to the children's entry into commercials and TV through a child agent.
1981: Setting of the movie Joker
The film Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is set in 1981, and follows Arthur Fleck, a failed clown and stand-up comedian.
1982: Acting Debut
In 1982, Joaquin Phoenix made his acting debut alongside his brother in the television series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, marking the start of his professional acting career.
1984: Starring in Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia
In 1984, Joaquin Phoenix starred opposite his brother River in the ABC Afterschool Special entitled Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia, earning them a nomination for Best Young Actor in a Family Film Made for Television.
1986: First Major Film Role in SpaceCamp
In 1986, Joaquin Phoenix, credited as Leaf Phoenix, had his first major film role in SpaceCamp. The film is about amateur astronaut training at Kennedy Space Center.
1987: First Starring Role in Russkies
In 1987, Joaquin Phoenix landed his first starring role in the film Russkies, about a group of friends who befriend a Russian soldier during the Cold War.
1989: Role in Parenthood
In 1989, Joaquin Phoenix appeared in Parenthood, still credited as Leaf Phoenix. This role contributed to establishing him as a child actor.
1995: Critical Acclaim for To Die For
In 1995, Joaquin Phoenix received critical acclaim for his supporting role in To Die For, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.
1995: Return to Acting in To Die For
In 1995, Joaquin Phoenix returned to acting in Gus Van Sant's black comedy To Die For, receiving critical acclaim for his role as Jimmy Emmett.
1997: Roles in U Turn and Inventing the Abbotts
In 1997, Joaquin Phoenix played roles in Oliver Stone's U Turn and Inventing the Abbotts, though these films received mixed reviews and did not perform well at the box office.
1999: Co-starring in 8mm
In 1999, Joaquin Phoenix co-starred in 8mm as an adult video store employee, contributing to the film's box office success despite mixed critical reception.
2000: Rising to stardom after Gladiator
After his role in Gladiator in 2000, Joaquin Phoenix rose to stardom, but was seen as not suitable for teen-idol roles.
2000: Roles in The Yards and Quills
In 2000, Joaquin Phoenix appeared in The Yards and Quills, receiving positive reviews for his performances. He won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award and the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for these combined roles.
2000: Supporting Role in Gladiator and Quills
In 2000, Joaquin Phoenix gained critical acclaim for his role as Commodus in Gladiator, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In the same year, he also appeared in Quills.
2000: Role in Gladiator
In 2000, Joaquin Phoenix portrayed Commodus in Gladiator, receiving positive reviews and earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The movie grossed $457 million worldwide.
2001: Starring in Buffalo Soldiers
In 2001, Joaquin Phoenix starred in Buffalo Soldiers, a satirical film that faced delayed release due to the September 11 attacks. His performance was praised, earning him a British Independent Film Award nomination.
2002: Success with Signs
In 2002, Joaquin Phoenix achieved commercial success with the horror film Signs, further establishing his presence in mainstream cinema.
2002: Collaboration on Signs
In 2002, Joaquin Phoenix collaborated with M. Night Shyamalan on the science fiction thriller Signs, playing Merrill Hess. The movie received mixed reviews, but his performance was praised, grossing $408.2 million worldwide.
July 25, 2003: Release of Buffalo Soldiers
On July 25, 2003, Buffalo Soldiers was released, approximately two years after its premiere at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival, due to delays caused by the September 11 attacks.
2003: Starring in 'It's All About Love' and voicing Kenai in 'Brother Bear'
In 2003, Joaquin Phoenix played an irresolute husband in 'It's All About Love' and voiced Kenai in the Disney animated film 'Brother Bear'. He expressed great joy in being cast in a Disney animated feature.
2004: Starring in 'The Village'
In 2004, Joaquin Phoenix reunited with M. Night Shyamalan in the period thriller 'The Village', where he played the role of Lucius Hunt. The film, despite mixed initial reviews, became a financial success, grossing $256.7 million worldwide.
2004: Roles in The Village and Hotel Rwanda
In 2004, Joaquin Phoenix starred in The Village and Hotel Rwanda, showcasing his versatility by appearing in both a horror film and a historical drama.
2005: Starring in 'Walk the Line' and Narrating 'Earthlings'
In 2005, Joaquin Phoenix starred as Johnny Cash in 'Walk the Line', performing all of Cash's vocal tracks himself. His performance was highly acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe and a Grammy Award. Also in 2005, Phoenix narrated the documentary 'Earthlings', receiving the Humanitarian Award at the San Diego Film Festival for his contribution.
2005: Walk the Line Success
In 2005, Joaquin Phoenix won a Grammy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, securing his status as a leading actor.
2007: Producing and Starring in 'We Own the Night'
In 2007, Joaquin Phoenix produced and starred in the action thriller 'We Own the Night', playing Bobby Green/Grusinsky. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews, with Phoenix's performance being commended for its depth and authenticity.
2007: Starring in 'Reservation Road' and Executive Producing '4Real'
In 2007, Joaquin Phoenix starred in 'Reservation Road' as a father seeking justice for his son's death. Also in 2007, Phoenix executive produced the television show '4Real', showcasing celebrity guests on global adventures.
2008: Starring in 'Two Lovers'
In 2008, Joaquin Phoenix starred in James Gray's 'Two Lovers' as a suicidal bachelor. The film premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, garnering positive reviews for both the film and Phoenix's performance.
2010: Filming I'm Still Here
In 2010, Joaquin Phoenix filmed the mockumentary I'm Still Here, announcing his retirement from acting to become a rapper, remaining in character for public appearances.
2011: Announcement of starring in 'The Master'
In 2011, it was announced that Joaquin Phoenix would star in Paul Thomas Anderson's drama film 'The Master', playing Freddie Quell, a World War II veteran. To prepare for the role, Phoenix lost weight and altered his jaw.
2012: Starring in The Master
In 2012, Joaquin Phoenix starred in the psychological drama The Master, winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and earning his third Academy Award nomination.
2012: Winning Volpi Cup for Best Actor for 'The Master'
In 2012, Joaquin Phoenix won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in 'The Master'. His performance received critical acclaim, with many praising its depth and intensity. He also received his third Academy, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for his leading role.
2013: Acclaim for Her
In 2013, Joaquin Phoenix gained praise for his role in the romantic drama Her, adding to his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
2013: PETA spot about suffering of fish
In 2013, Joaquin Phoenix simulated drowning in a PETA spot to dramatize how fish suffer. The video was shot by Michael Muller.
2013: Starring in 'The Immigrant'
In 2013, Joaquin Phoenix starred in 'The Immigrant', playing a pimp. His performance was highly praised at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting his and director James Gray's collaborative work.
2014: Starring in 'Inherent Vice'
In 2014, Joaquin Phoenix played Doc Sportello in 'Inherent Vice'. His performance was praised, earning him a Golden Globe nomination.
2015: Narrating 'Unity' and Starring in 'Irrational Man'
In 2015, Joaquin Phoenix narrated the documentary 'Unity' and starred in Woody Allen's 'Irrational Man'. His chemistry with Emma Stone in 'Irrational Man' was praised, despite mixed reviews for the film.
2015: Preference for Independent Films
In 2015, Joaquin Phoenix stated in an interview with The Guardian that he prefers independent films over major studio films.
2015: Oscar Snub for "Her"
In 2015, Journalist Peter Knegt of IndieWire named Joaquin Phoenix's snub for an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Her" as one of the ten worst Oscar acting snubs of the last decade.
2015: Explained discomfort with receiving accolades
In 2015, while on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Joaquin Phoenix elaborated on his previous comments about awards, explaining he felt uncomfortable receiving accolades for his work because filmmaking is a collaborative process.
2017: Winning Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for "You Were Never Really Here"
In 2017, Joaquin Phoenix starred in 'You Were Never Really Here', and won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his performance. He gained weight and muscle for the role, and his performance was hailed as one of the best of his career.
2017: Cannes Award for You Were Never Really Here
In 2017, Joaquin Phoenix won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his role in the psychological thriller You Were Never Really Here, solidifying his status as an acclaimed international actor.
2018: Comments from Garth Davis on working with Phoenix
In 2018, Garth Davis spoke about working with Joaquin Phoenix on Mary Magdalene, praising his natural and instinctual acting style.
2018: Portrayal of Jesus in Mary Magdalene and roles in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot and The Sisters Brothers
In 2018, Joaquin Phoenix played Jesus in the movie Mary Magdalene, receiving mixed reviews. He also starred in Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot as John Callahan and The Sisters Brothers, both of which were better received.
2018: The Sisters Brothers, and Narration of Dominion
In 2018, Joaquin Phoenix starred in The Sisters Brothers, and narrated the documentary Dominion. He was also granted the 2018 Award of Excellence for Narration by Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards for his work in the documentary.
2019: Leading National Animal Rights Day Demonstration
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix and his partner Rooney Mara led the National Animal Rights Day demonstration to spread awareness for animal rights.
2019: Driving meat-free menus for awards shows
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix drove a behind-the-scenes movement that transformed five awards events to meat-free menus, starting with the Golden Globe Awards, protesting for animal rights and citing meat agriculture as a leading cause of climate change. He influenced the Critics' Choice and SAG Awards to follow suit. The Academy Awards also announced that all food served at the Dolby Theatre before the Oscars would be vegan.
2019: Starring as Joker
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix starred as the Joker in the psychological thriller Joker. His performance was highly praised, earning him numerous awards.
2019: Phoenix's Film Selection Criteria
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix stated that his film choices are based on the director's unique vision and ability to make the film, disregarding genre or budget size.
2019: Academy Award for Joker
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as the titular character in Joker, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2019: PETA's Person of the Year
In 2019, PETA named Joaquin Phoenix "Person of the Year" for his advocacy for animal rights.
January 10, 2020: Arrest at Climate Change Protest
On January 10, 2020, Joaquin Phoenix was arrested with Jane Fonda at a climate change protest in Washington, D.C., speaking about the link between animal agriculture and climate change.
2020: Collaborated with JusticeLA on PSA about health in L.A. County jails
In 2020, Joaquin Phoenix collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement titled #SuingToSaveLives, addressing the health of people in L.A. County jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Executive Producer of Gunda and named one of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century
In 2020, Joaquin Phoenix served as an executive producer on Gunda and was named one of The New York Times' 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.
2021: Starring in C'mon C'mon
In 2021, Joaquin Phoenix starred in the film C'mon C'mon as Johnny, a radio journalist. The film premiered at the 48th Telluride Film Festival.
April 14, 2023: Release of Beau Is Afraid
On April 14, 2023, Joaquin Phoenix starred as Beau Wassermann in Ari Aster's Beau Is Afraid, which was released before a wide release the following week. The film received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising Phoenix's performance.
October 2023: Signed open letter calling for ceasefire during Gaza war
In October 2023, Joaquin Phoenix signed an open letter by artists to President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza war, stating that all life is sacred.
November 2023: Release of Napoleon
In November 2023, Joaquin Phoenix portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte in the movie Napoleon, his second collaboration with director Ridley Scott. The film received mixed reviews.
2023: Roles in Beau Is Afraid and Napoleon
In 2023, Joaquin Phoenix starred in Beau Is Afraid and portrayed the title role in the historical drama Napoleon, continuing to take on diverse and challenging roles.
2024: Reprising Joker Role in Sequel
In 2024, Joaquin Phoenix is set to reprise his role in the sequel to Joker, continuing the character's story and his involvement in the successful franchise.
2024: Reprising Role as Joker in Joker: Folie à Deux
In 2024, Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role as Joker in Joker: Folie à Deux. Unlike the first film, it emerged as a critical and commercial failure.
May 2025: Signed open letter condemning film industry's silence on Gaza
In May 2025, Joaquin Phoenix was among 370 Hollywood figures who signed an open letter condemning the film industry for its "silence" on the Gaza genocide and Israel's killing of Fatma Hassona.
September 2025: Signing Film Workers for Palestine boycott pledge
In September 2025, Joaquin Phoenix became a signatory of the Film Workers for Palestine boycott pledge.
2025: Upcoming Role in Eddington
In 2025, Joaquin Phoenix is set to star in the independent film Eddington, continuing his commitment to independent cinema.
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