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 as one of the leading performers of his generation. He is celebrated for his portrayals of complex, often dark and eccentric characters in independent films. Phoenix's talent has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Grammy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his status as a major figure in contemporary cinema.
1 day ago : Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal clash in Ari Aster's 'Eddington' trailer.
The trailer for Ari Aster's 'Eddington' showcases a feud between Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal amidst George Floyd protests and gun violence in a modern western setting.
2000: Starring in Gladiator
In 2000, Joaquin Phoenix starred in the movie Gladiator.
2003: Brother Bear and It's All About Love Releases
In 2003, Joaquin Phoenix starred in two films: He played the husband in "It's All About Love" and voiced Kenai in the Disney animated film "Brother Bear." "Brother Bear" grossed $250.4 million worldwide and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
2004: The Village and Hotel Rwanda releases
In 2004, Joaquin Phoenix starred in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village", playing Lucius Hunt. He also starred in Terry George's "Hotel Rwanda", playing cameraman Jack Daglish. The film documents Paul Rusesabagina's efforts to save lives during the Rwandan genocide. He was also in the drama film "Ladder 49" as a Baltimore firefighter.
2004: Ladder 49 and Hotel Rwanda roles
In 2004, Joaquin Phoenix starred opposite John Travolta in "Ladder 49" as a Baltimore firefighter, training extensively with the Baltimore Fire Department. He also played cameraman Jack Daglish in Terry George's "Hotel Rwanda", a film about the Rwandan genocide. Phoenix was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in "Hotel Rwanda".
2005: Walk the Line Release and Awards
In 2005, Joaquin Phoenix starred as Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line," receiving rave reviews and singing all of Cash's vocal tracks himself. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and the Grammy Award for the film's soundtrack. Phoenix also narrated "Earthlings", a documentary about animal abuse. He also received the Humanitarian Award at the San Diego Film Festival for his work and contribution to Earthlings in 2005.
2007: Reservation Road and 4Real
In 2007, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "Reservation Road", playing a father obsessed with finding his son's killer. He also executive produced the television show "4Real", which showcased celebrities on global adventures connecting with young leaders.
2007: We Own the Night Release
In 2007, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "We Own the Night", which he also produced. He played Bobby Green/Grusinsky, a nightclub manager trying to save his brother and father from Russian mafia hitmen. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
2008: Two Lovers Premiere
In 2008, Joaquin Phoenix starred in James Gray's "Two Lovers" as a suicidal bachelor. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews, with critics praising Phoenix's performance. During the promotion of Two Lovers, Phoenix had started to film his next performance for the mockumentary film I'm Still Here (2010).
2010: Filming of I'm Still Here
In 2010, Joaquin Phoenix filmed the mockumentary "I'm Still Here", during which he announced his retirement from acting to become a rapper, leading to media speculation about a mental breakdown.
2010: I'm Still Here Release
In 2010, Joaquin Phoenix's mockumentary "I'm Still Here", co-written and directed by Casey Affleck, was released. The film, which purports to follow Phoenix's transition into a hip hop artist after retiring from acting, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival to mixed reviews. The film explored celebrity, and the relationship between the media, consumers, and celebrities themselves.
2011: Trilobite Named After Gladiator Role
In 2011, a trilobite species was named Gladiatoria phoenix after Joaquin Phoenix's iconic role in the 2000 film Gladiator.
2011: The Master Announced
In 2011, it was announced that Joaquin Phoenix would star in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master", playing Freddie Quell, a WWII veteran struggling to adjust to post-war society. Phoenix lost a significant amount of weight for the role.
2012: Meets Rooney Mara
In 2012, Joaquin Phoenix met Rooney Mara, his co-star in the movie Her.
2012: The Master Release and Awards
In 2012, Joaquin Phoenix won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in "The Master". The arthouse film was critically acclaimed, with Phoenix's performance receiving high praise and multiple award nominations.
2013: PETA Spot on Fish Suffering
In 2013, Joaquin Phoenix simulated drowning in a PETA spot to dramatize how fish suffer, highlighting a neglected cause in animal rights.
2013: The Immigrant Release
In 2013, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "The Immigrant," playing a pimp who falls for a Polish immigrant (Marion Cotillard). The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to highly positive reviews, with critics commending Phoenix's performance.
2014: Inherent Vice Release
In 2014, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "Inherent Vice" as Doc Sportello, a private investigator. The film, based on Thomas Pynchon's novel, received positive reviews, with critics praising Phoenix's performance. He earned his fifth Golden Globe nomination for the film.
2015: Discusses Uncomfortableness Receiving Accolades on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In 2015, Joaquin Phoenix elaborated on his discomfort in receiving accolades for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, considering the filmmaking process a collaborative one.
2015: Unity and Irrational Man
In 2015, Joaquin Phoenix narrated "Unity", the sequel to "Earthlings", and starred in Woody Allen's "Irrational Man" as Abe Lucas, a philosophy professor experiencing an existential crisis. The film was released to mixed reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.
2017: You Were Never Really Here Release and Award
In 2017, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "You Were Never Really Here", playing Joe, a traumatized former FBI agent. He won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his performance. To prepare for the film, Phoenix gained a significant amount of weight and muscle.
2018: Mary Magdalene Release
In 2018, Garth Davis directed Joaquin Phoenix in "Mary Magdalene". Davis described Phoenix as "working with this beautiful wild animal, where you have to give him the space to be free, so his performance can roam freely: raw, uncontrived and truly natural."
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 "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. Critics praised his range and commitment to his roles in 2018.
2018: Release of The Sisters Brothers and Narration of Dominion
In 2018, Joaquin Phoenix starred in "The Sisters Brothers" and narrated the documentary "Dominion", which earned him the 2018 Award of Excellence for Narration from the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards.
2019: Animal Rights Activism
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix and his partner Rooney Mara led the National Animal Rights Day demonstration to help spread awareness for animal rights.
2019: Plant-Based Menus at Award Shows
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix spearheaded a movement to transform the menus of five award show events to be plant-based, starting with the Golden Globe Awards, advocating for addressing climate change through dietary choices.
2019: Starring as Joker in the psychological thriller Joker
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix starred as Joker in Todd Phillips' psychological thriller "Joker." His performance garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a SAG, and a Critic's Choice Award for Best Actor.
2019: PETA Person of the Year
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix was named "Person of the Year" by PETA for his advocacy for animal rights.
2019: Spider Named After Joker Role
In 2019, the movie Joker was released. In 2020, a spider species endemic to Iran, Loureedia phoenixi, also known as the Joker spider, was named after Joaquin Phoenix due to its color pattern matching the DC Comics character Joker from his role in the 2019 movie Joker.
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., where he spoke about the link between animal agriculture and climate change.
2020: Public Service Announcement on L.A. County Jails' Health
In 2020, Joaquin Phoenix collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement, #SuingToSaveLives, to raise awareness about the health conditions of people in L.A. County jails during 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 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century by The New York Times.
2020: Spider Named After Joker Role
In 2020, a spider species endemic to Iran, Loureedia phoenixi, also known as the Joker spider, was named after Joaquin Phoenix due to its color pattern matching the DC Comics character Joker, from his role in the 2019 movie Joker.
2021: Starring in C'mon C'mon
In 2021, Joaquin Phoenix starred in Mike Mills' drama "C'mon C'mon" as Johnny, receiving praise for his performance, which was described as a career best.
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." The film received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising Phoenix's commitment to the role. He received his seventh Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
October 2023: Signs Open Letter Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza
In October 2023, Joaquin Phoenix signed an open letter by artists to President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza war, emphasizing the sanctity of all life.
November 2023: Release of Napoleon
In November 2023, Joaquin Phoenix portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte in Ridley Scott's "Napoleon", which received mixed reviews.
May 2025: Signs Open Letter Condemning Film Industry's "Silence" on Gaza Genocide
In May 2025, Joaquin Phoenix was one of 370 Hollywood figures to sign an open letter condemning the film industry for its "silence" on the Gaza genocide and Israel's killing of Fatma Hassona.
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