Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesRight about now, Joaquin Phoenix would probably like to thank the Academy...for their deep wells of forgiveness and continued patience.
While it was just a month ago that The Master star and repeat Oscar winner quite spectacularly bit the hand that may soon continue to feed him, calling the Academy Awards "bulls--t" that he neither wants "to be a part of" or "believe in," he seems to have changed his tune.
And right in time for awards season!
"I wouldn't have the career that I have if it weren't for the Oscars," a newly chastened Phoenix told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I haven't been in a lot of movies that have made a lot of money...and getting nominated for a movie has probably helped my career tremendously."
It's quite an about-face for the twice-nominated actor, previously singled out by the Academy for his supporting role in Gladiator and lead role in Walk the Line, who told Interview magazine last month, "I never want to have that experience again."
Now he's doing his best to tone down his slightly over-the-top rhetoric.
"It's not like I f--king hate the Oscars," he told the paper. "It doesn't occupy my time to where I can build up hate."
Good thing, too, since Phoenix's critically lauded role has made him a presumptive frontrunner for the upcoming awards season. If only he can keep a lid on it until then.