Actor Joaquin Phoenix criticized the “egocentric” nature of humans by targeting the dairy industry in his acceptance speech after winning best actor at the Academy Awards.
Phoenix, 45, argued on Sunday that all activists need to join forces to combat inequality. He pulled an example from animal rights activists and condemned milk consumers for ignoring the plight of cows.
“I think that we’ve become very disconnected from the natural world. Many of us what we are guilty of is an egocentric world view: the belief that we’re the center of the universe,” Phoenix explained. “We go into the natural world, and we plunder it for its resources. We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow, and when she gives birth, we steal her baby, even though her cries of anguish are unmistakable. Then we take her milk that’s intended for her calf, and we put it in our coffee and our cereal.”
Phoenix also called for people to be more forgiving. He condemned “cancel culture” and the tendency for some in Hollywood to target individuals after they make a mistake or have past remarks become controversial.
“I’ve been cruel at times, hard to work with, and I’m grateful that so many of you in this room have given me a second chance,” Phoenix said. “I think that’s when we’re at our best: when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for our past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow. When we educate each other; when we guide each other to redemption.”
Phoenix has joined Jane Fonda for her “Fire Drill Friday” weekly climate change protests, where he similarly argued for animal rights by criticizing meat consumption. On Sunday night, he won the Oscar for best actor for his role in the comic book movie Joker.
