Ben Stiller, dressed as Joaquin Phoenix, presented the award for Best Cinematography at the 2009 Oscars alongside Natalie Portman.
Stiller mocked Phoenix’s recent appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, donning a fake beard and sunglasses, while chewing gum.
Joaquin claims he is retiring from acting to become a rapper, and has appeared disheveled and unresponsive in recent interviews.
In my original post about his appearance on Letterman, I commented that I thought Joaquin was going through some sort of mental breakdown, however, after reviewing the video, I noticed at the very end of the show Joaquin laughs when Dave says “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.” Considering his ‘confusion’ throughout the whole show, it seems funny that he ‘gets’ the joke.
I also find it rather convenient that Joaquin’s “breakdown” coincides with the filming of a documentary Casey Affleck is doing about his life.
IMO, the “documentary” is a cover for some sort of hoax Joaquin is trying to pull. Perhaps he’s making a statement about the media feeding frenzy when a star breaks down, a la Britney Spears?
Check out Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix at the Oscars below.