Editing Joaquin Phoenix (section)

===2000–2010: Critical acclaim and commercial success===
[[File:Joaquin Cannes 20002 cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Phoenix attending an event for ''[[The Yards]]'' at the [[2000 Cannes Film Festival|53rd Cannes Film Festival]] in 2000]]

In 2000, Phoenix co-starred in three films. In the first of these, he portrayed a fictionalized version of [[Roman Empire|Roman Emperor]] [[Commodus (Gladiator)|Commodus]] in [[Ridley Scott]]'s historical epic film ''[[Gladiator (2000 film)|Gladiator]]''. The film received positive reviews and grossed {{USD|457 million|long=no}} worldwide, making it the [[2000 in film#Highest-grossing films|second highest-grossing film of 2000]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=gladiator.htm| title=Gladiator| website=Box Office Mojo| access-date=February 27, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307073219/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=gladiator.htm| archive-date=March 7, 2009| url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Nashawaty of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called Phoenix's work "a more nuanced star-making performance" when comparing him to the lead [[Russell Crowe]], writing "Phoenix turns what could have easily been a cartoonish villain into a richly layered study of pathology."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2000/12/22/joaquin-phoenixs-role-gladiator/|title=Joaquin Phoenix's role in ''Gladiator''|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|first=Chris|last=Nashawaty|date=December 22, 2000|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131083050/https://ew.com/article/2000/12/22/joaquin-phoenixs-role-gladiator/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Phoenix earned his first nominations for an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor|Academy Award]], a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Golden Globe Award]] and a [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|BAFTA Award]] in the Best Supporting Actor category.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 25, 2001|title=The 73rd Academy Awards|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501233317/http://oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2001|archive-date=May 1, 2018|access-date=June 21, 2015|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences}}<br />{{cite web |title=Winners & Nominees 2001 |url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2001?page=1 |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191207210741/https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2001%3Fpage%3D1 |archive-date = December 7, 2019 |url-status = live}}<br />{{cite web |title=Film in 2001 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2001/film |publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150123034657/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2001/film |archive-date = January 23, 2015 |url-status = live}}</ref> He and his late brother River became the first brothers to be nominated for acting [[Academy Awards]]. To this date, they are the only brothers to hold this distinction.<ref name="OSCAR FIRSTS AND OTHER TRIVIA">{{cite web| url=http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/Help/Statistics?file=Gen-Trivia.pdf| title=Oscar Firsts And Other Trivia| website=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]| access-date=May 10, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903031146/http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/Help/Statistics?file=Gen-Trivia.pdf| archive-date=September 3, 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>

His next film marked his first collaboration with director [[James Gray (director)|James Gray]] in ''[[The Yards]]''. The crime film follows the corruption in the rail yards of [[Queens]]. Although failing to perform well at the box office,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=yardsthe.htm| title=The Yards| access-date=March 22, 2015| website=Box Office Mojo| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406191528/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=yardsthe.htm| archive-date=April 6, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Yards'' received positive reviews from critics with many considering Phoenix's performance as the villain a stand out.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/yards-review/|title=The Yards Review|work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|first=William|last=Thomas|date=November 10, 2000|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228191127/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/yards-review/|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/the-yards-1200462109/|title=The Yards|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Todd|last=McCarthy|date=May 22, 2000|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228203611/https://variety.com/2000/film/reviews/the-yards-1200462109/|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-yards-249826/|title=The Yards|first=Peter|last=Travers|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=October 20, 2000|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131032440/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/yards-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> The third release of 2000 was [[Philip Kaufman]]'s ''[[Quills (film)|Quills]]'', a satirical thriller inspired by the life and work of the [[Marquis de Sade]]. Phoenix played the conflicted priest [[Abbé de Coulmier]] opposite [[Kate Winslet]]. The film [[Film premiere|premiered]] at the [[Telluride Film Festival]] and was a modest art house success grossing a total of {{USD|17 million|long=no}} at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=quills.htm |website=Box Office Mojo |title=Quills |access-date=March 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409151827/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=quills.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was received with critical praise with [[Peter Travers]] of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' praising Phoenix and his chemistry with Winslet, stating "Phoenix, on a roll this year with Gladiator and The Yards, excels at making the priest a seductive figure—a neat trick considering the real Abbe was a four-foot hunchback. Winslet and Phoenix generate real fire, notably when Abbe dreams of ravishing Madeleine on the altar."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/quills-247978/|title=Quills|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|first=Peter|last=Travers|date=December 15, 2000|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131055037/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/quills-247978/|url-status=live}}</ref> For his combined roles of that year, Phoenix was awarded the [[Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor]] and the [[National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.screendaily.com/quills-named-best-film-by-national-board-of-review/404442.article| title=Quills named best film by National Board of Review| last=Goodridge| first=Mike| website=[[Screen International]]| date=December 7, 2000| access-date=December 8, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028205148/http://www.screendaily.com/quills-named-best-film-by-national-board-of-review/404442.article| archive-date=October 28, 2014| url-status=live}}<br />{{Cite web|title=Broadcast Critics Eat Crowe|url=https://www.eonline.com/uk/news/40898/broadcast-critics-eat-crowe|last=Armstrong|first=Mark|date=December 19, 2000|website=|publisher=E!|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506155644/https://www.eonline.com/uk/news/40898/broadcast-critics-eat-crowe|archive-date=May 6, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>

The following year, Phoenix starred in the satirical film ''[[Buffalo Soldiers (2001 film)|Buffalo Soldiers]]'' as a [[U.S. Army]] soldier. The world premiere was held at the 2001 [[Toronto International Film Festival]] in early September. However, because the film was a satire of the [[Military of the United States|US military]], its wider theatrical run was delayed by approximately two years because of the [[September 11 attacks]]; it was finally released on July 25, 2003.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news| first=A.O.| last=Scott| author-link=A. O. Scott| url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B00E0DB123FF936A15754C0A9659C8B63| title=Buffalo Soldiers (2001) FILM REVIEW; A Portrait of the Army, but Few Heroes in Sight| newspaper=The New York Times| date=July 25, 2003| access-date=February 19, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220017/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B00E0DB123FF936A15754C0A9659C8B63| archive-date=March 6, 2016| url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[BBC]]''<nowiki/>'s Nev Pierce wrote that "Phoenix is excellent as a Gen X Sergeant Bilko, ensuring his cheerfully amoral character never loses heart—showcasing tenderness, love, grief and fear as his games get out of control"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/06/25/buffalo_soldiers_2003_review.shtml|title=Buffalo Soldiers (2003)|work=[[BBC]]|first=Nev|last=Pierce|date=July 16, 2003|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207220549/https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/06/25/buffalo_soldiers_2003_review.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and Phoenix received a nomination for the [[British Independent Film Award for Best Actor]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.screendaily.com/dirty-pretty-things-leads-bifa-nominations/4015163.article| title=Dirty Pretty Things leads BIFA nominations| last=Dams| first=Tim| website=Screen International| date=September 23, 2003| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090006/http://www.screendaily.com/dirty-pretty-things-leads-bifa-nominations/4015163.article| archive-date=April 2, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>

The science fiction [[Thriller film|thriller]] ''[[Signs (2002 film)|Signs]]'' (2002) marked Phoenix's first collaboration with director [[M. Night Shyamalan|Manoj Shyamalan]]. In the film, he played Merrill Hess, a former [[Minor League Baseball|Minor League baseball]] player who, along with his older brother Graham ([[Mel Gibson]]), discovers that Earth has been invaded by [[extraterrestrials in fiction|extraterrestrials]]. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Phoenix's performance was praised, with critic Peter Travers writing that Phoenix "registers impressively, finding the humor and the pain in this lost boy [...] never making a false move as a helpless Merrill watches his rock of a brother crumble into a despairing crisis of faith."<ref>{{cite magazine| first=Peter| last=Travers| author-link=Peter Travers| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/signs-20020802| title=Signs| magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]| date=August 2, 2002| access-date=May 1, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018200043/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/signs-20020802| archive-date=October 18, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a commercial success, grossing {{USD|408.2 million|long=no}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=signs.htm|title=Signs|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416025648/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=signs.htm|archive-date=April 16, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2003, Phoenix played the irresolute husband of a superstar-skater ([[Claire Danes]]) in [[Thomas Vinterberg]]'s Danish romance-drama, ''[[It's All About Love]]'',<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/29/movies/29all.html| title=The Limits of Realism and of Absurdity| last=Dargis| first=Manohla| newspaper=The New York Times| date=October 29, 2004| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528071015/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/29/movies/29all.html| archive-date=May 28, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> voicing Kenai in the [[Disney]] animated film ''[[Brother Bear]]''. Phoenix expressed immense joy being cast as the lead voice role in a Disney animated feature, stating "The real pinnacle [in my career] is that I'm playing an animated character in a Disney film. Isn't that the greatest?"<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Isaak-Surfing-the-Ironic-For-Phoenix-life-s-a-2943134.php |title=Isaak Surfing the Ironic / For Phoenix, life's a bear |last=Smith |first=Liz |work=[[Newsday]] |publisher=[[San Francisco Gate]] |date=March 13, 2001 |access-date=July 6, 2015 |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207192236/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Isaak-Surfing-the-Ironic-For-Phoenix-life-s-a-2943134.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The film grossed {{USD|250.4 million|long=no}} worldwide,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=brotherbear.htm| title=Brother Bear| website=Box Office Mojo| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924063145/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=brotherbear.htm| archive-date=September 24, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> and was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3433895.stm| title=Oscars 2004:The winners| work=[[BBC News]]| access-date=March 22, 2015| date=March 1, 2004| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303111329/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3433895.stm| archive-date=March 3, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced by racecar driver [[Patrick Dempsey]] in [[Brother Bear 2|the ''Brother Bear'' sequel]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Brother-Bear/Kenai/| website=Behind the Voice Actors| title=Voice of Kenai| access-date=May 22, 2016| archive-date=February 7, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207195216/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Brother-Bear/Kenai/| url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix reunited with Shyamalan in the period thriller ''[[The Village (2004 film)|The Village]]'' (2004). The film is about a village whose population lives in fear of creatures inhabiting the woods beyond it, referred to as "Those We Don't Speak Of". He played farmer Lucius Hunt, a role which [[Christopher Orr (film critic)|Christopher Orr]] of ''[[The Atlantic]]'' found "underdeveloped".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2005/01/the-movie-review-the-village/69501/|title=The Movie Review: 'The Village'|work=[[The Atlantic]]|first=Christopher|last=Orr|date=January 11, 2005|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131065924/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2005/01/the-movie-review-the-village/69501/|url-status=live}}</ref> Though initially receiving mixed reviews,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/village| title=Village, The (2004) Movie Reviews| website=Rotten Tomatoes| date=July 30, 2004| access-date=May 5, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525122525/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/village/| archive-date=May 25, 2010| url-status=live}}</ref> the film attracted retrospective reviews years after its release. Several critics deemed it one of Shyamalan's best films, praising Phoenix's "terrific" performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/2015/9/11/9309749/the-village-shyamalan-good|title=M. Night Shyamalan's The Village is an underrated masterpiece|last=VanDerWerff|first=Emily|date=January 23, 2019|work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228203645/https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/2015/9/11/9309749/the-village-shyamalan-good|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web|url=http://collider.com/the-village-movie-underrated-m-night-shyamalan/?amp|title=In Defense of M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Village'|last=Chitwood|first=Adam|work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=July 30, 2019|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228191250/https://collider.com/the-village-movie-underrated-m-night-shyamalan/|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-village-defense/|title=The Unpopular Opinion: 13 Years Later, 'The Village' Stands as One of M. Night Shyamalan's Best Movies|last=Evangelista|first=Chris|date=August 1, 2017|work=[[SlashFilm]]|access-date=September 2, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726202233/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-village-defense/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a financial success, grossing {{USD|256.7 million|long=no}} worldwide on its {{USD|60 million|long=no}} budget.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=village.htm| title=The Village| website=Box Office Mojo| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145045/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=village.htm| archive-date=June 12, 2018| url-status=live}}</ref>

In his next film of the year, he starred alongside [[John Travolta]] in the drama film ''[[Ladder 49]]'' as a [[Baltimore City Fire Department|Baltimore firefighter]]. In preparation for the role, Phoenix trained for two months with the Baltimore Fire Department, putting out actual fires. He admitted that he was afraid of heights before he started making this film, recalling "I got to the pole and I looked down and I couldn't do it. But you go through the training and it exposes your fears and helps you to overcome them. We ended up rappelling off a six-story tower and that really helped."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/real-life-heroes-and-the-stars-of-ladder-49/all|title=Heroes and Stars of Ladder 49|work=[[Oprah Winfrey|Oprah.com]]|date=September 20, 2004|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131080029/https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/real-life-heroes-and-the-stars-of-ladder-49/all|url-status=live}}</ref> The film earned {{USD|102.3 million|long=no}} at the box office<ref name="thenumbers">{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2004/LAD49.php |title=Ladder 49 |access-date=July 24, 2008 |website=The Numbers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605033825/http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2004/LAD49.php |archive-date=June 5, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> despite receiving generally mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/ladder-49/ |title=Ladder 49(2004) |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=[[Metacritic]] }}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, praising the performances in the film.<ref>{{cite news| first=Roger| last=Ebert| title=Ladder 49| newspaper=Chicago Sun Times| date=October 1, 2004| url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20041001%2FREVIEWS%2F40920005%2F1023| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-date=March 10, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310113834/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20041001%2FREVIEWS%2F40920005%2F1023| url-status=dead}}</ref> Phoenix's final film of 2004 was [[Terry George]]'s ''[[Hotel Rwanda]]'', playing cameraman Jack Daglish. Based on the [[Rwandan genocide|1994 Rwandan genocide]], the film documents [[Paul Rusesabagina]]'s ([[Don Cheadle]]) efforts to save the lives of his family and more than 1,000 other refugees by providing them with shelter in the besieged [[Hôtel des Mille Collines]]. The film was a moderate financial success<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hotelrwanda.htm| title=Hotel Rwanda| website=Box Office Mojo| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-date=February 7, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207170309/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl240682497/| url-status=live}}</ref> but was a critical success, receiving almost exclusively positive reviews from critics.<ref name="meta">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/hotel-rwanda/ |title=Hotel Rwanda] |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 20, 2024}}</ref> For his performance in the film, Phoenix was nominated for a [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture|Screen Actors Guild Award]] along with the cast.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/11th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards| title=The 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards| website=[[Screen Actors Guild]]| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825224547/http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/11th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards| archive-date=August 25, 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Joaquin Phoenix 2005.jpg|thumb|upright|Phoenix attending the premiere of ''[[Walk the Line]]'' at the [[2005 Toronto International Film Festival|30th Toronto International Film Festival]] in 2005]]

In 2005, Phoenix co-starred alongside [[Reese Witherspoon]] in the [[James Mangold]] directed film ''[[Walk the Line]],'' a [[Johnny Cash|Jonathan Ray Cash]] biopic, after Cash himself approved of Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1513769/johnny-cash-was-thrilled-joaquin-phoenix-would-play-him-line-director-says/| title=Johnny Cash Was 'Thrilled' Joaquin Phoenix Would Play Him, 'Line' Director Says| work=[[MTV News]]| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403201820/http://www.mtv.com/news/1513769/johnny-cash-was-thrilled-joaquin-phoenix-would-play-him-line-director-says/| archive-date=April 3, 2015| url-status=dead}}</ref> All of Cash's vocal tracks in the film and on the accompanying soundtrack are played and sung by Phoenix.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/17/joaquin.phoenix/| title=Finding the voice, spirit of Johnny Cash| work=[[CNN]]| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151424/http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/17/joaquin.phoenix/| archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The film premiered at the [[Telluride Film Festival]], eventually grossing {{USD|186 million|long=no}} worldwide.<ref name="boxoffice">{{cite news| title=Walk the Line| website=Box Office Mojo| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=walktheline.htm| access-date=January 27, 2009| archive-date=February 7, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207222038/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3665397249/| url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix's performance received rave reviews from critics and it inspired film critic Roger Ebert to write, "Knowing Johnny Cash's albums more or less by heart, I closed my eyes to focus on the soundtrack and decided that, yes, that was the voice of Johnny Cash I was listening to. The closing credits make it clear it's Joaquin Phoenix doing the singing, and I was gobsmacked".<ref name="ebert">{{cite news| last=Ebert| first=Roger| title=Walk the Line| newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times| date=November 18, 2005| url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051117/REVIEWS/51107006/1023| access-date=January 27, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212120132/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20051117%2FREVIEWS%2F51107006%2F1023| archive-date=December 12, 2007| url-status=live }}</ref> For his portrayal of Johnny Cash, he won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] and the [[Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media]] for the film's soundtrack.<ref name="Joaquin Phoenix">{{cite web| url=http://www.goldenglobes.com/person/joaquin-phoenix|title=Joaquin Phoenix| website=[[Golden Globes]]| access-date=June 16, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529162219/http://www.goldenglobes.com/person/joaquin-phoenix| archive-date=May 29, 2017|url-status=live}}<br />{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-people-you-wont-believe-have-grammys-20150204/joaquin-phoenix-20150129/| title=20 People You Won't Believe Have Grammys| magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]| date=February 4, 2015| access-date=February 22, 2021| last=Harris| first=Keith| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403121249/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-people-you-wont-believe-have-grammys-20150204/joaquin-phoenix-20150129| archive-date=April 3, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix also received a second [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Academy Award]] nomination as well as a second [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|BAFTA]] nomination, this time in the Best Lead Actor category.<ref name="movies.about.com">{{cite news |url=http://movies.about.com/od/awards/a/oscars013106.htm |title=Oscars 2006 – Academy Award Winners, Nominees, Movies Released in 2005 |newspaper=About.com Entertainment |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701050908/http://movies.about.com/od/awards/a/oscars013106.htm |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |title=Film in 2006 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2006/film |publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130906104051/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2006/film |archive-date = September 6, 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref> Earlier that year, he narrated ''[[Earthlings (film)|Earthlings]]'' (2005), a documentary about the investigation of animal abuse in [[intensive animal farming|factory farms]], and pet mills, and for scientific research. He was awarded the Humanitarian Award at the [[San Diego Film Festival]] in 2005, for his work and contribution to ''Earthlings''.<ref name="I Saw Earthlings.com Cast and Crew">{{cite web |url=http://isawearthlings.com/ |title=I Saw Earthlings.com Cast and Crew |website=Isawearthlings.com |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727004621/http://www.isawearthlings.com/ |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> [[Animal rights]] philosopher [[Tom Regan]] remarked that "for those who watch ''Earthlings'', the world will never be the same".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthlings.com/earthlings/review-press.php |title=EARTHLINGS is Single Informative Movie in Treatment and Protection of Animals|work=Earthlings.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818211200/http://www.earthlings.com/earthlings/review-press.php |archive-date=August 18, 2010}}</ref>

Phoenix's first producing task was the action thriller ''[[We Own the Night (film)|We Own the Night]]'' (2007), where he played nightclub manager Bobby Green (né Grusinsky) who tries to save his brother ([[Mark Wahlberg]]) and father ([[Robert Duvall]]) from [[Russian mafia]] hitmen. The James Gray-directed film premiered at the [[2007 Cannes Film Festival]] to mixed reviews;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/4430729/year/2007.html |title=Festival de Cannes: We Own the Night |newspaper=Festival de Cannes |access-date=December 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805022217/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/4430729/year/2007.html |archive-date=August 5, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Roger Ebert praised Gray's direction and the acting, but criticized its screenplay for lack of originality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/we-own-the-night-2007|title=But we have to share custody|work=[[RogerEbert.com]]|first=Roger|last=Ebert|date=October 11, 2007|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028193023/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/we-own-the-night-2007|url-status=live}}</ref> [[David Edelstein]] of ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine commended Phoenix for elevating the film's conflict, writing that it "might be heavy-handed without Phoenix's face—his irresolution somehow more powerful than other actors' resolve. There is no artifice. He's not an actor disappearing into a role but a man disappearing into himself [...] Phoenix homes in on the truth of this person. It's the paradox of the greatest acting".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/movies/reviews/38963/|title=What's It All About, Anyway?|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|first=David|last=Edelstein|date=October 5, 2007|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205044740/https://nymag.com/movies/reviews/38963/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later that year, he played Ethan Lerner, a father obsessed with finding out who killed his son in a [[Hit and run|hit-and-run accident]] in his second feature with Terry George, the crime drama film ''[[Reservation Road]]''. The film received mixed reviews from critics;<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/reservation_road/| title=Reservation Road| website=Rotten Tomatoes| date=October 19, 2007| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401021537/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/reservation_road/| archive-date=April 1, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> Peter Travers praised Phoenix's acting stating "Even the best actors—and I'd rank Joaquin Phoenix and [[Mark Ruffalo]] among their generation's finest—can't save a movie that aims for tragedy but stalls at soap opera."<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/reservation-road-20071018| title=Reservation Road| last=Travers| first=Peter| magazine=Rolling Stone| date=October 18, 2007| access-date=May 1, 2015| archive-date=February 7, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207194537/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/reservation-road-118237/| url-status=dead}}</ref> Phoenix also executive produced the television show ''[[4Real]]'', a half-hour program which began airing in 2007. The series showcased celebrity guests on global adventures "in order to connect with young leaders who are creating social and economic change".<ref>{{cite web| title=4 Real| url=http://www.directcurrentmedia.com/| website=Direct Current Media| access-date=August 22, 2007| archive-date=February 23, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223190852/https://directcurrentmedia.com/| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2008, Phoenix starred as Leonard, a suicidal bachelor torn between the family friend his parents wish he would marry and his beautiful but volatile new neighbor in ''[[Two Lovers (2008 film)|Two Lovers]]''. The romantic drama premiered at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival|61st Cannes Film Festival]]. Reviews for the film and Phoenix's performance were positive; ''The New York Times Magazine''{{'}}s chief critic called it his best performance to date<ref>{{cite news| url=https://nymag.com/movies/reviews/54067/| title=Debt Collection| last=Edelstein| first=David| newspaper=[[The New York Times Magazine]]| date=February 8, 2009| access-date=May 1, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114005951/http://nymag.com/movies/reviews/54067/|archive-date=January 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and Ray Bennett of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' felt that Phoenix led the film with "great intelligence and enormous charm, making his character's conflict utterly believable".<ref name="thr">{{cite journal |last=Bennett |first=Ray |title=Reviews: ''Two Lovers'' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/two-lovers-126111 |journal=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915102303/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/two-lovers-126111/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, during the promotion of ''Two Lovers'', Phoenix appeared on [[David Letterman|David Letterman's interview]]'s show in a rather unsual image for himself, with a thick beard and dark sunglasses; due to this, Phoenix had started to film his next performance for the [[mockumentary]] film ''[[I'm Still Here (2010 film)|I'm Still Here]]'' (2010), which the media felt overshadowed the former's theatrical release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://observer.com/2009/06/two-lovers-movie/|title=A good movie that didn't get its proper due|work=[[observer.com|The Observer]]|date=June 16, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516102958/https://observer.com/2009/06/two-lovers-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''I'm Still Here'' purports to follow the life of Phoenix, from the announcement of his retirement from acting, through his transition into a career as a [[hip hop music|hip hop]] artist managed by rap icon [[Sean Combs|Sean "Diddy" Combs]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Casey Affleck |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b79439_casey_affleck_joaquins_line_with.html |title=Casey Affleck Joaquins the Line With Phoenix Doc |publisher=E! Online |date=September 2, 2010 |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-date=April 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402172441/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b79439_casey_affleck_joaquins_line_with.html |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |title=I'm Still Here |url=http://www.magpictures.com/profile.aspx?id=c710ff64-f3eb-42e4-bda1-b8e811cf4301 |website=[[Magnolia Pictures]] |access-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820193853/http://www.magpictures.com/profile.aspx?id=c710ff64-f3eb-42e4-bda1-b8e811cf4301 |archive-date=August 20, 2010 }}</ref> Directed by Phoenix's then brother-in-law [[Casey Affleck]] and co-written by Affleck and Phoenix, the little-seen film premiered at the [[67th Venice International Film Festival]] to mixed reviews;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/im_still_here_the_lost_year_of_joaquin_phoenix/ |title=I'm Still Here Movie Reviews, Pictures |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909182229/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/im_still_here_the_lost_year_of_joaquin_phoenix/ |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> critics were divided on whether to interpret the film as documentary or performance art.<ref name="AffleckSpeaks">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/movies/17affleck.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908083325/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/movies/17affleck.html| url-status=live| title=Documentary? Better Call It Performance Art| first=Michael| last=Cieply| date=September 16, 2010| archive-date=September 8, 2015| newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url-access=registration}}</ref> After its release, Phoenix explained that the idea for the feature arose from his amazement that people believed reality television shows' claims of being unscripted. By claiming to retire from acting, he and Affleck planned to make a film that "explored celebrity, and explored the relationship between the media and the consumers and the celebrities themselves" through their film.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/97pPMzESi6s Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20100927014158/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=97pPMzESi6s Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97pPMzESi6s|title=Joaquin Phoenix Return visit on David Letterman show (sept 22 - 2010) HD 1080p|work=YouTube|date=September 23, 2010 |access-date=May 16, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/22/joaquin-phoenix-real-life-evil-seduces-inherent-vice| title=Joaquin Phoenix: 'In real life, evil seduces'| newspaper=The Guardian| location=London| date=January 22, 2015| access-date=March 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320190600/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/22/joaquin-phoenix-real-life-evil-seduces-inherent-vice| archive-date=March 20, 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>