Joaquin Phoenix has been taking every chance to address audiences about important causes that many might argue, aren't being discussed nearly enough — his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech was no different.
Joaquin Phoenix has been taking every chance to address audiences about important causes that many might argue, aren't being discussed nearly enough — his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech was no different.
As climate change and human rights have been urgently important issues these days, Joaquin took the time to touch on those topics after graciously accepting his award for Best Actor.
Just one week ago at BAFTA, Joaquin took the time to address the "systemic racism" in the film industry — a problem that has been grossly neglected thus far.
"I think that we send a very clear message to people of color that you're not welcome here".
"I don't think anybody wants a handout or preferential treatment, although that's what we give ourselves every year," he continued.
He even pointed the finger at himself for being "part of the problem".
"I have not done everything in my power — not all sets I've worked on are inclusive."
“I do not feel elevated above any of my fellow nominees," he began.
"But I think the greatest gift that it's given me, and many of us in this room, is the opportunity to use our voice for the voiceless."
"I think at times we feel — or we're made to feel — that we champion different causes."
"I think whether we're talking about gender inequality or racism, or queer rights, or indigenous rights, or animal rights, we're talking about the fight against injustice."
The audience jumped in with a roaring and rightfully deserved applause before Joaquin could continue.
"And many of us — what we're guilty of, is an egocentric world-view."
“We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and when she gives first we steal the baby".
"And then we take her milk that’s intended for the calf and we put it in our coffee."
"But human beings, at our best, are so inventive and ingenious, and I think that when we use love and compassion as our guiding principles, we can create, develop, and implement systems of change that are beneficial to all sentient beings and the environment," he concluded.
Let us know what you think of Joaquin Phoenix's inspirational acceptance speech at last night's Oscar Awards in the comments below!