Joaquin Phoenix 'Honored' To Be Nominated For An Oscar

Even after being a figure of controversy, Todd Phillips’ blockbuster hit “Joker” was a force to be reckoned with during the announcement of the nominations of the 92nd Academy Awards. The movie has secured the most number of nominations in various categories, and it is leading the pack with a whopping 11 nominations.

The film’s lead actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has also been nominated for an Oscar and will be running up for the Best Actor trophy. Phoenix could not contain his excitement after it was announced that he has been nominated for the prestigious trophy and revealed that he is deeply “honored” to have been nominated in this category. He also congratulated his fellow nominees for the stellar work they have done in their respective movies.

In a statement obtained by Entertainment Weekly, the 45-year-old actor further stated that the recognition given by the Academy has always helped him in “igniting” his career and he will always be grateful for that.

“I feel honored and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow actors. I would like to also congratulate my fellow nominees for being recognized for their inspiring performances that have enriched our art form,” Phoenix said.

The actor will face stiff competition from fellow nominees like Antonio Banderas ("Pain And Glory"), Leonardo DiCaprio ("Once Upon A Time In Hollywood"), Adam Driver ("Marriage Story") and Jonathan Pryce ("The Two Popes").

Phillips expressed his gratitude towards those who supported him throughout the movie and called the “You Were Never Really Here” star a “genius.”

“I am deeply honored by the overwhelming recognition of the Academy. We are beyond humbled that our peers in the filmmaking community have embraced the film and its message,” Phillips said.

“Joker” has been making waves across all the major award shows. Phoenix won the Best Actor trophy at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards for his portrayal of the clown prince of Gotham. Meanwhile, the film's composer Hildur Guðnadóttir won the Original Score awards at both events.

The film created history by becoming the first-ever comic-book based movie to lead the nominations at the Oscars. The movie is also nominated for Best Picture, making it the only second superhero movie to get an opportunity to run for the prestigious award.

Apart from Best Picture, the other 10 noms it garnered include Best Director for Phillips, Best Actor for Phoenix, Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Original Score, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

The 92nd Academy Awards will take place on Feb. 9 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.