Joaquin Phoenix Pays Tribute To Heath Ledger Following ‘Joker’ Win

It’s awards season in Hollywood which means some very deserving films, actors and creatives are finally getting the recognition they deserve.  Among the best of the best is Joaquin Phoenix – known as “that guy who played the arsehole emperor in Gladiator” and, most notably, for his impeccable performance in Joker.  Joaquin won the SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role and has paid tribute to none other than Heath Ledger, who played the iconic villain before him. 

“I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favourite actor, Heath Ledger, so, thank you,” Joaquin said. 

“I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor Heath Ledger.” Joaquin Phoenix thanks the late #DarkKnight star while accepting the #SAGAwards statue for #Joker https://t.co/tD2ozkArqi pic.twitter.com/k9q8hwFFrM

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 20, 2020

Heath played the Joker in the 2008 film The Dark Knight and was praised by critics for his “mesmerising” performance. Sadly, six months after the films release, Heath died of an accidental overdose.  In his speech, Joaquin also paid tribute to the men he was up against for the SAG award. He praised Taron Egerton’s performance in Rocketman, and shared how he used to always lose roles to Leonardo di Caprio. 

“When I started acting again and going to auditions, I’d get to the final callback and … [I’d] always lose to this one kid,” he shared.  “No actor would ever say his name because it was too much. You have been an inspiration for over 25 years to me and so many people.”

Sometimes, we feel like we’re up against Leo too, Joaquin. We feel for you. #sagawards pic.twitter.com/KoWRLKIFtD

— SAG Awards (@SAGawards) January 20, 2020

The full list of SAG Awards winners for 2020 is: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role – Joaquin Phoenix – Joker  Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Renée Zellweger – Judy  Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Laura Dern – Marriage Story  Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Parasite Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture – Avengers: Endgame Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries – Sam Rockwell – Fosse/Verdon  Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries – Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon  Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series – Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones  Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series – Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series – Tony Shalhoub – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel  Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series – Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series – The Crown Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series – Game Of Thrones Image: Getty Images / Kevin Mazur.