Joaquin Phoenix’s Speech: For Living Beings And The Environment

He held the Oscar in his hand, but it seemed like an afterthought. His voice was firm and confident, in contrast to his expressions and hand gestures, which swung between those of a shy man and those of one who had been completely taken by surprise by emotions. Joaquin Phoenix’s speech lasted just under three minutes. But it was enough to reach people around the world, end up in headlines and touch the hearts of millions.

We do not know if the effect of his message will last as long as most viral news. In other words, a clip that is shared by virtually everyone, only to be quickly forgotten. Interestingly, he had already come across some of the same ideas during the Golden Globes. With honesty and sincerity, he gave an empathetic but personal invitation to create change. He calls for changes based on environmental protection and veganism to create a more sustainable and just world.

Although his speeches of thanks for previous awards have touched on these topics, they have not been the main message. But during the Oscars in 2020, his convictions were clear. His speech was very different from the rest of the winners. It was not political. Instead, his words were enriched with the magic of emotions, the power of humility, and the sensitivity of someone who wanted to awaken consciousness.

The speech of thanks during the Oscars that everyone should listen to

When movie stars support a cause, it’s always nice to hear, and it’s always in the news. In recent years, the movement for women’s rights and gender equality has had a presence in almost all forms of ceremonies. You can see that we are moving forward, and that the changes are as positive as they are hopeful.

In this context of social activism, it is also not impossible to be reminded of Marlon Brando and the day he rejected the academy by denying his Oscar.

In his place , he sent Sacheen Littlefeather to talk about the unfair treatment of indigenous peoples in the United States. It was a historic moment, not only because the event was so high-profile, but because of the journalists who went to find out what Marlon Brando condemned.

It is impossible to know whether Joaquin Phoenix’s speech will have the same impact. We do not know if any people will change the way they eat or act to save the environment after listening to his message. 

In any case, it was clear that his message would remain in the hearts and minds of many people for at least a few days . Let’s take a closer look at what he said. 

Gratitude and responsibility

Joaquin Phoenix’s speech began as a simple expression of gratitude. He said he did not feel better than any of the artists who were there with him in the theater. After all, they all share the same passion and that passion is what drives him.

His role as a Joker may have been the climax of his brilliant career. But his performance of Batman’s classic enemy has taken him in a completely different direction. His portrait of him was brilliant. Never before has a cartoon character seemed so human.

For Phoenix, his success, more than anything else, is an opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless. 

We are created in a selfish world that is used to exploiting others

” No nation or people has the right to exploit others ,” Phoenix said. But we do it anyway. Some obvious examples are gender discrimination, racism, attacks on the LGBTQ community and the exploitation of animals and the environment.

We are an egocentric society that turns its back on injustice. Not only do we refuse to see it, or neglect it, but we unconsciously amplify it every day.

Joaquin Phoenix on environmental activism, veganism and humanity

“I think we have become very disconnected from the natural world… We enter the natural world and we plunder it for resources.” One of the most well-known aspects of Joaquin Phoenix’s personality is his strong defense of the environment and veganism. His late brother, River Phoenix, shared his beliefs and lifestyle. He was known for his animal rights activism and his work with PETA.

Joaquin Phoenix’s speech appeals to people’s love for animals. He wants us to connect with their sufferings and remind them of what defines us as human beings: love and creativity. If we can create a new, more sustainable system that respects animals and the environment, everyone will benefit.

Joaquin Phoenix’s speech and memory of his brother

As you probably know, River Phoenix was Joaquin’s older brother. He was a fantastic actor who was recognized and praised in the film world. Tragically, he died of an overdose on October 31, 1993 at the age of 23. In his Oscar speech, it was virtually inevitable that Joaquin would mention his older brother.

He did this with just one sentence. Words that matched his message, in his powerful speech. He said, ” Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow .”

He leaves us with an idea, an essence, that love can act as a powerful engine for people. It is able to create change and achieve a more sustainable world where all residents are respected.

Let’s hope that Joaquin Phoenix’s speech will not be forgotten right away.