Joaquin Phoenix's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Joaquin Phoenix.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2015: Oscar Snub for Her

In 2015, journalists expressed disappointment over Joaquin Phoenix's failure to receive an Oscar nomination for his performance in Spike Jonze's "Her", released in 2013. Peter Knegt of IndieWire named it one of the ten worst Oscar acting snubs of the last decade.

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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.

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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: 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.

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.