Joker is a 2019 psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and provides a possible origin story for the character. Set in 1981, it follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian whose descent into insanity and nihilism inspires a violent countercultural revolution against the wealthy in a decaying Gotham City.
Joker was a commercial and critical success, and Phoenix's performance as the Joker received widespread acclaim. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including 11 Academy Award nominations, and won two: Best Actor for Phoenix and Best Score for Hildur Guðnadóttir. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor for Phoenix.