Golden Globes: Joaquin Phoenix praises awards for only serving vegan food

Actor also took opportunity to acknowledge that more needs to be done to help fire relief in Australia

Joaquin Phoenix used the Golden Globes stage to express his support for the award show’s decision to serve a vegan meal.

While accepting an award for best actor for a motion picture, drama, the Joker actor said: “I’d like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for recognising and acknowledging the link between animal agriculture and climate change. It really sends a powerful message.”

Phoenix, who is vegan, was referring to the plant-based menu served at the 77th Golden Globes, which included “golden beet soup, king oyster mushrooms cooked and presented to resemble scallops, with wild-mushroom risotto, roasted baby purple and green Brussels sprouts, globe carrots and pea tendrils,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Prior to the award show, the actor’s sister Rain shared a photo of herself and Phoenix on Instagram, where she shared a statement from her brother.

“The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced that this year’s Golden Globe Awards would - for the very first time - serve an all plant-based dinner,” the actor said.

“By acknowledging animal agriculture’s role in the degradation of our planet and boldly taking measures to do its part to reduce harm, the HFPA has shown great leadership."

On social media, fans praised Phoenix for his dedication to the environment and for taking the time to thank the HFPA.

“Joaquin Phoenix talking about climate change and going vegan on his Golden Globes speech was everything,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Joaquin Phoenix making his Golden Globes speech about climate change and going vegan just absolutely made my night.”

During his speech, Phoenix also referenced the Australian wildfires, telling the crowd: "It’s really nice that so many people have come up and sent their well wishes to Australia, but we have to do more than that.”