Prince William Told Joaquin Phoenix That He’s a Fan of Joker

Prince William told Joaquin Phoenix that he “absolutely loved” Joker. He’s also “glad” that he didn’t watch the film before going to bed. Prince William attended the BAFTA Film Awards last Sunday night. Both the royal and the BAFTA president made sure to watch some of the most important films of the decade. There is one film that he did watch — Joker, which he thought was titled The Joker, according to a report via Town & Country.

He seems like a huge fan of the film. While speaking with Joaquin Phoenix, he complimented his role. “Lovely to meet you,” William told People. “I absolutely loved The Joker. It was brilliant. I put it off and put it off before watching it, as people kept telling me ‘be careful when you choose to watch it.’ I’m glad I didn’t watch it before bed, but huge congratulations on an amazing performance.”

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Phoenix said the admiration was mutual. “Thank you for your speech,” the actor said, referencing to Prince William’s speech from earlier that night. The royal called out the #BAFTAsSoWhiteControversy. He claimed that the lack of diversity in this year’s nomination “simply cannot be right.”

“Yet in 2020,” Prince William continued, “and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process – that simply cannot be right in this day and age!”

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He also had time for jokes. He playfully referenced to Olivia Colman, who played Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. “I am particularly proud to stand here tonight having served as BAFTA’s President for the last 10 years. However, I must admit I don’t know whether I should be proud, or slightly alarmed, about the number of winners over the last decade who have portrayed members of my own family.”

He said that steps have been taken to “BAFTA take this issue seriously, and following this year’s nominations, have launched a full and thorough review of the entire Awards process to build on their existing work and ensure that opportunities are available to everyone.”

Phoenix also gave William a curtsy before they spoke. You can watch the video of their adorable interaction here.