Joaquin Phoenix has never been one to be shy about sharing his feelings — especially about his industry — and this is no different. The actor's movie The Master has been the talk of the awards-shows circuits this year, and he will likely be invited to all the big awards because of it. But Phoenix is hardly jumping for joy at the thought.
He sat down for an interview with film critic Elvis Mitchell for Interview magazine and shared his thoughts on awards season.
"I'm just saying that I think it's bulls***," Phoenix said. "I think it's total, utter bulls***, and I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it."
The actor has received two Oscar nominations in his career, for Gladiator and Walk the Line, so he has been through the experience before.
"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," he continued, according to the LA Times. "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."
Phoenix also said it's easy for actors to focus their careers on the hunt for the elusive awards.
"It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life," he added. "I don't want this carrot."
While some are saying Phoenix's comments could hurt his chances for a nomination, Entertainment Weekly said it may actually help him out.
"It's a little counterintuitive," said the magazine, "but Phoenix's interview makes him a prime topic for conversation now, which could lead voters to sit up and take notice of his work in the movie again, despite his diss of awards season."
In case anyone thought he might be kidding, on Thursday, after the interview was published, the actor posted on his Twitter account, "I don't want this carrot."