Have you ever believed in something so deeply that you wished everyone could see what you see? Have you ever felt the ache of knowing the truth and watching the world look away? That’s what it often feels like to advocate for animals confined, exploited, and killed for food, yet rarely granted the empathy they deserve.
So when someone with a global platform uses it to speak for them, it matters. It reminds us that compassion still has a voice. That’s how millions of people felt the night Joaquin Phoenix took the Oscar stage and spoke—not about himself—but about the suffering we so easily ignore.
Phoenix said aloud what so many have been saying for decades: that eating animals is unkind, unnecessary, destructive to the planet, and out of step with our values. When he accepted one of the highest honors in film, he did something rare. He quieted the applause. It didn’t feel right to bask in celebration while others suffered. In that moment, humility replaced vanity. It was a striking contrast to the self-congratulatory tone of our public life—a reminder that true leadership isn’t about commanding attention, but about directing it toward those who need it most.
For advocates exhausted by the daily tide of bad news—from climate disasters to factory farm exposés—Phoenix’s words were a balm. In a culture saturated with industry propaganda and political lobbying that normalize animal exploitation, his speech broke through. It was the animals’ advertisement—a brief, shining moment of truth in a marketplace of misinformation.
And it came at a pivotal time. The movement for a more compassionate, sustainable food system is gaining momentum. The plant-based sector is growing, not just because it’s ethical, but because it’s delicious, innovative, and increasingly mainstream. Every act of courage—from an Oscar speech to a family choosing plant-based meals—helps us move closer to a tipping point. We’d much rather see change driven by empathy than by catastrophe.
For me, Phoenix’s speech carried an extra resonance. I remember standing on the National Mall, listening to his brother River speak at Earth Day. I was working for an environmental nonprofit on Capitol Hill at the time, and River’s words changed the course of my life. He said:
“In my life, I decided not to eat animals or animal products or to use their skins for my clothing, shoes, or decorations. There’s such immense cruelty involved with the raising of animals for human consumption that if I can stop their pain by boycotting their products, I will immediately make a difference.”
That moment shifted me from being an environmentalist to an advocate for animals. I imagine Joaquin’s speech will do the same for many who heard it—people ready to live more gently, to act on the compassion they already feel.
In a world that too often rewards indifference, that night reminded us of something simple and profound: empathy is power. And using it well is the truest mark of greatness.
Kirschner's Korner 
Perfect words on how we feel
As a vegan for the last 37 years I was so delighted by Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar Speech.
Brave to dare speak out against the status quo. He sounds ‘breathless’ so I assume it took great courage for him to speak truth to power. Wonderful.
I can’t believe he wasn’t nervous. I think it is incredibility brave to dare stand up and be counted……. most people don’t.
Fight climate change with diet change
Something each and everyone can easily do to help …and no need to get governments, authorities, industry or multinationals et al involved. Going vegan is the least we can do.
The backlash is in full swing ………as one would expect. This explains why. I cannot recommend this read highly enough. I’ve just read it over my bloodless supper and found it unbelievably insightful. Reading the psychology for why omnivores loath us (vegetarians hate us even more!) is so useful. It only takes about ten minutes to read.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200203-the-hidden-biases-that-drive-anti-vegan-hatred?ocid=ww.social.link.facebook&fbclid=IwAR0vCbY0u4zPRcffrMJpRx_kVYpzMAm4aA7XqdNXy0a-WBcF4MHk7DUW7Po
Thank you for writing this great article. Gentle World’s founders are the aunt and uncle of Joaquin and introduced veganism to them over 40 years ago. So we are proud of him for speaking out the truth! It’s been a long haul for the enslaved and always has been.
Warm regards, Summer http://www.gentleworld.org
Could not love this man more. He’s taking on injustices that the world wants to sweep under a rug. (Probably one made from the fur of some of our world’s critically endangered.) His soul purpose that night was to deliver those words and he very courageously cut off his own much deserved applause to do so. Thank you for looking at these animals- soul to soul.
Beautiful man, heart, and soul. I’m in love and wish we were best buds!
He is incredible
Applause. Applause. Applause.
So well said! And you conveyed what every one of us is feeling and thinking just as Joaquin did. I’m hoping people that are not yet living the vegan lifestyle Seek out more information about what he was speaking on and make the connection. I’m hoping for sweeping change because it’s never been worse for animals ever in history.
Bravo!
I was biting my nails and waiting for the moment.And when it came, i had goosebumps!He spoke deep down from his heart and soul!There was no greater message he could’ve given than this.And my favourite was ‘using love and compassion as your guiding principles’It represented the millions of voices that speak for the voiceless each day!That is what the noble virtue of compassion will do.Transform you into an sensitive intelligent being!!
Joaquin Phoenix is indeed a man who has balanced his life with Compassion & Courage…
True inspiration for Humanity!
Joaquin for President!!!!!
If only 🙂
Yes, yes & yes 🙂
This is how we all felt…this is why I cry every time I watch it…and that’s A LOT of times!
Yes. The words he spoke made animal activists feel so inspired. He is indeed a beautiful human being