Joaquin Phoenix fears there is a "danger" with awards shows.
The 40-year-old actor has been vocal about his distaste for the annual ceremonies in the past, even though he's received three Academy Awards nominations over the years. He still feels that way, explaining the issue is people behave differently when there is a chance of a prize.
"Awards can do amazing things for an actor’s career. The Oscars have completely changed my career for the better," he told British newspaper The Guardian. “There’s also a danger that it becomes this thing, that you’re constantly seeking this validation, that you’re trying to do something to get a particular response. I don’t like that type of acting... Bad acting is being self-aware, being self-conscious.”
Joaquin's latest movie is Inherent Vice, which is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The two men get along brilliantly, with the actor a kind of muse to Paul. Joaquin is relaxed about his talents though, insisting it's directors who are the true brains when it comes to movies.
"No, it doesn’t feel like a comeback. I’m just… really grateful that I’ve had these great opportunities. I’m working with these directors that I really admire," he said, adding that actors often get credit for exploring roles when really that's been encouraged by directors.
"Actors themselves probably perpetuate that myth. And every once in a while maybe it’s true. But if a movie works, it’s the director."
The star also opened up about his acting process, admitting he does struggle with lines. He prefers ad-libbing if he can, although it's not always possible. Sometimes he thinks he's gone down the organic path entirely but then finds the director is happy with his work, which is his favourite thing.
"The best feeling is when you don’t think you’re saying the lines. You think you’ve f**ked it up and you’ve just been talking. And you go, 'Oh, did I get that wrong?' And they say no, everything was there," he laughed.