Joaquin Phoenix thinks Oscars are total, utter bullshit

Actors sure are speaking their minds this week, aren’t they?

First Paul Bettany, then Hugo Weaving, and now Joaquin Phoenix. However, Phoenix isn’t bitching about the merits of doing voice-over work– he’s bitching about the awards circuit.

In a one on one with Interview Magazine, Phoenix and the interviewer discuss the possibility of the actor getting award nominations for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s THE MASTER. Read the excerpt below:

MITCHELL: So what are you going to do when they put you on the awards circuit for The Master?

PHOENIX: I’m just saying that I think it’s bullshit. I think it’s total, utter bullshit, and I don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t believe in it. It’s a carrot, but it’s the worst-tasting carrot I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. I don’t want this carrot. It’s totally subjective. Pitting people against each other . . . It’s the stupidest thing in the whole world. It was one of the most uncomfortable periods of my life when Walk the Line was going through all the awards stuff and all that. I never want to have that experience again. I don’t know how to explain it—and it’s not like I’m in this place where I think I’m just above it—but I just don’t ever want to get comfortable with that part of things.

This sort of attitude should surprise no one when it comes to Phoenix. He could give two rats asses about what anyone thinks of him. I mean, didn’t everyone see I’M STILL HERE? Look at all the f*cks Joaquin Phoenix doesn’t give just raining from the sky. When it comes to his comment on awards season being bullshit, I’m inclined to agree. There are several reasons for this, pick any. I’m sure whatever you just came up with is correct. There are those rare times when an actor just enjoys his craft. While awards are a nice pat on the back, what do they really mean in this day and age?

It’s on the table for discussion.