I have always been a massive fan of Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, but over the last year, I fell in love with him as an activist and person. Aside from being an avid environmentalist, he is a passionate advocate of animal rights and veganism. As most know, he won the Oscar for ‘Best Actor’ this past Sunday, delivering a poignant and well-articulated speech both honoring his brother and living up to his profound legacy.
Known for his multiple participations in protests, he even goes as far as getting arrested to stand up for what he believes in and give animals a voice. Being a vegan and activist myself, it emboldens me to be better and take charge of my life as he does. Having to be in such an overcast spotlight can dull even the brightest of lights, but all Phoenix does is shine on. Utilizing his heavily-visible platform, I cannot even express how much I admire his dedication to expressing genuine thoughts and waking people up, rather than hiding behind stipulations and extended fallacies. We need more people in the face of fame to support humanitarian efforts and actually help communities implement positive change on major issues at hand. With every award show, anytime he had to give a speech, he reiterated his outlook on the animal and dairy industries, and voiced a call for climate change. His realization and respect for his success is evident through his many prolific stances and imminent, bold advocacy.
He is always on the go, taking part in whatever he believes can make a difference. Less concerned with any of the typical attributes of being famous, Phoenix dedicates his time to causes needing action and keeping his life personal. His new short film, “Guardians of Life,” moves one to tears, as it showcases how the climate crisis is destroying our planet. It serves as a huge wake-up call, and invokes many emotions from start to end. Starring Rosario Dawson as well, the 2-minute film was made in partnership with Amazon Watch and Extinction Rebellion. It is the first part of an upcoming 12-part series in relation to an environmental non-profit. Phoenix did this project to incite action and inspire people to stop waiting for our governments to change things for us, when all the time we have is NOW.
Did Joaquin win Best Actor or Best Activist? The world may never know.