Between a Golden Globe win, 11 Academy Award nominations and snub by Wendy Williams over his ‘cleft-lip’ scar, it’s been a big few weeks for Joaquin Phoenix.
And the actor was seen for the first time since the talk-show’s controversial comments on Saturday, filming his new movie, C’mon C’mon, in New Orleans.
The 45-year-old was spotted filming a parade scene in the Big Easy, and in between takes, was seen with his arm around a woman who appeared to be working on set.
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Out and about: Joaquin Phoenix was seen for the first time since Wendy Williams’ controversial comments on Saturday, filming his new movie, C’mon C’mon, in Mississippi
Joaquin was dressed in a white button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled up.
The fiance of Rooney Mara tucked in his shirt to a pair of dark trousers and completed the look with Converse sneakers.
The Joker star accessorised with shades and had his hair styled out messily.
In the Big Easy: Joaquin was one of the only ones not dressed up in Mardi Gras looks
Father figure: One part saw Joaquin hold up a microphone to his on-screen nephew
On the set: Phoenix was seen in between takes with his arm around a woman who appeared to be working on set
Casual: Joaquin was dressed in a white button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled up
Joaquin looked to be in high spirits as he walked around with a cigarette in his mouth.
Joaquin was also seen spending time with his on-screen nephew during the Mardi Gras scene.
During the parade, his character collapses on the street.
No stress look: Joaquin had his hair styled out messily
Having a chat: Phoenix strolled about with the crew
Relaxed: Joaquin looked to be in high spirits as he walked around with a cigarette in his mouth
Joaquin’s appearance comes after Wendy Williams sparked outrage for cruelly mocking his ‘oddly attractive ‘cleft lip’ on her show earlier in the week.
Describing Phoenix as ‘oddly attractive’ she first fawned over his ‘piercing eyes,’ before critiquing a scar on the actor’s upper lip, which is often masked by a beard.
‘When he shaves off his mustache he’s got a hairline fracture,’ she said.
Lights, camera, action: Joaquin seemed in good spirits for his fun day of filming
Easy look: He tucked in the shirt to a pair of dark trousers and completed the look with Converse sneakers
Fun uncle! Joaquin was also seen spending time with his on-screen nephew during the Mardi Gras scene
‘He’s got one of those — what do you call it? Cleft lip, cleft palate.’
She then crudely hooked her finger under her lip as if she was suffering from the condition, a common birth defect which happens when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy.
The actor has said the mark is a nonsurgical scar he was born with, according to a Vanity Fair cover story from November.
Having some fun: Phoenix appeared in a good mood as he puffed away on his cigarettes
Joaquin appeared awake and ready while filming his new movie, C’mon, C’mon
Too much: During the parade, his character collapses on the street
Helping hands: Lots of characters were seen trying to help him up
It is thought Joaquin was born with a ‘microform cleft,’ a mild form of cleft which often doesn’t require surgery, but which leaves a small groove in the upper lip, according to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association.
Wendy was forced to apologize for her comments after stars such as Cher slammed her for her insensitivity regarding the medical condition.
Canadian football star, Adam Bighill, also reached out after he and his son Beau was born with the condition.
She replied to his tweet saying: ‘We’re thinking about Beau today as he is in surgery.’
Wendy went on to say: ‘I want to apologize to the cleft community and in Beau’s honor, our show is donating to @operationsmile and @AmerCleftPalate and encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community.’
Having fun: There were many extras and characters showcasing their best looks in the parade
Making fun of him: Joaquin’s appearance comes after Wendy Williams sparked outrage for cruelly mocking his ‘oddly attractive ‘cleft lip’ on her show earlier in the week
Born with it: It is thought Joaquin was born with a ‘microform cleft,’ a mild form of cleft which often doesn’t require surgery, but which leaves a small groove in the upper lip, according to the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (pictured January 2020)
Long term love: The Joker star and Rooney have been dating since they met on set of Mary Magdalene in January 2017 (pictured at last week’s Golden Globe awards)
