Phoenix picked up the award for his performance in Joker.
Many thought that nobody could ever come close to Heath Ledger’s performance as the iconic character of Joker in The Dark Knight.
Jared Leto gave it a go in Suicide Squad and it… didn’t work, really, only strengthening the case that people had when they said that Ledger’s portrayal was one of a kind.
Up stepped Joaquin Phoenix to give it a go in Todd Phillips’ Joker, and he absolutely smashed it out of the park.
The movie was a resounding success, and despite certain criticisms, it’s difficult to argue with the fact that Phoenix’s performance was incredible.
So much so that Phoenix picked up a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role on Sunday night, and his acceptance speech was pure class.
He spoke highly of all of his fellow nominees, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Adam Driver, Christian Bale and Taron Egerton.
At the end of his acceptance speech, an emotional Phoenix said: “Really, I’m standing here on the shoulder’s of my favourite actor – Heath Ledger. Thank you. ”
And while we won’t be comparing it to Cuba Gooding Junior’s just yet, it still makes for a great watch.
Clip via TNT
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
