Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera has identified Joker as an early Oscar contender following its premiere screening at the 76th annual event on Saturday.
In an interview with Deadline, Barbera discussed Joker’s resoundingly positive reception and further stoked awards buzz by endorsing critics’ praise for Joaquin Phoenix’s apparent Oscar-worthy performance as the Clown Prince of Crime.
“They’re very good,” he said of the film’s Academy prospects. “Absolutely, it will be in the running.
“The film deserves the reception it is getting,” he continued. “It goes beyond the boundaries of the genre. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is outstanding and Todd Phillips did a great job.”
Source: IGN.com Joker Will be in the Running for an Oscar, says Film Festival Director