'Academy's encouragement sustained my career': Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Philips on Oscars 2020 nominations for 'Joker'

On Monday, Oscars 2020 nominations were announced and it received mixed reactions from many. As expected, Todd Philips' directorial Joker based on the character from DC comics received nominations in most of the categories. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role and he also received a nomination in Best Actor. Joker leads all films with 11 nominations in total and they are Best Picture, Directing, Leading Actor, Cinematography, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Original Score, Film Editing, Make-up and Hairstyling.

In a statement, Todd Philips, who got nominated in Best Picture and Best Director categories for the first time in Academy Award, said, "Joker began as an idea, an experiment really— could we take an “indie approach” to a studio film by inverting it into a character study to reflect the world around us? Explore what we’re seeing and feeling in society, from the lack of empathy to the effects of the absence of love. I am deeply honoured by the overwhelming recognition of the Academy this morning, and I want to thank the genius that is Joaquin Phoenix and all my incredible collaborators. We are beyond humbled that our peers in the film-making community have embraced the film and its message."

While Joaquin received his third nomination in Best Actor category for Joker. He was nominated earlier for the films The Master and Walk the Line. Phoenix stated, "I feel honoured and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow actors. The Academy’s encouragement helped ignite and sustain my career and I am incredibly grateful for that support. I’d like to also congratulate my fellow nominees for being recognized for their inspiring performances that have enriched our art form."