What Did Joaquin Phoenix Say To Rooney Mara in His Speech?

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Receiving the TIFF Tribute Actor Award for his work in Joker at the Toronto International Film Festival‘s Tribute Gala in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix publicly declared his love for his younger girlfriend Rooney Mara.

“I don’t know who’s really giving me this award, who’s responsible for this or why and frankly, I don’t care. My publicist said somebody wants to give you an award and I said, ‘I’m in. Let’s do it.’”

Robert De Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, and Zazie Beetz attend the "Joker" premiereRobert De Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, and Zazie Beetz attend the “Joker” premiere during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9, 2019, in Toronto, Canada

He finished his speech by thanking his mother, American social activist Arlyn Sharon Phoenix, and added, “One last thing, somewhere here, I don’t know where, is a filthy dragon, and I want to rip its wings off and fasten a blanket and sleep with it forever. I love you. Thank you.”

The “filthy dragon” nickname was clearly a reference to his girlfriend’s career breakthrough role as Lisbeth Salander in Fincher’s thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).

Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix on the red carpet before the 2020 Academy AwardsRooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix on the red carpet before the 2020 Academy Awards

“Rooney, I love you. I’m so grateful for this night and all of you,” he also stated during his acceptance speech at the 2020 Golden Globes.

6 years earlier, Rooney attended the New York screening of “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” at the Museum of Modern Art.

The romantic crime drama film starring Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, and Ben Foster, depicts the journey of an escaped prisoner and his reunion with his wife and daughter.

Rooney Mara wears her hair center- parted at the screening of "Ain't Them Bodies Saints"Rooney Mara wears her hair center-parted at the screening of “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” held Aug. 13, 2013, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City

Rooney Mara continued her minimal streak at the premiere in a Calvin Klein navy crop top and a fitted black midi skirt.

The star of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo teamed her outfit with a polished half updo and very little makeup.

Rooney Mara wears a Calvin Klein navy crop top and a fitted black midi skirt to the premiere of her latest filmRooney Mara wears a Calvin Klein navy crop top and a fitted black midi skirt to the premiere of her latest film

The then 28-year-old actress topped it all off with a pair of feminine black platform sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Rooney has been seen in Jimmy Choo’s designs numerous times. We last spotted her wearing this particular pair — the “Greta” — at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Rooney Mara's feet in black platform Jimmy Choo sandals Rooney Mara’s feet in black platform Jimmy Choo sandals

All shoe lovers will be happy to know that the ‘Greta’ sandals are available at Farfetch and Nordstrom:

Jimmy Choo "Greta" Suede SandalsJimmy Choo “Greta” Suede Sandals, $895

Do you like Rooney’s dark and simple look? Or would you prefer to see her in something a little more colorful?

As a small bonus, below is another minimalist outfit that Rooney wore back in early 2012.

Rooney Mara attends the National Board of Review Awards GalaRooney Mara attends the National Board of Review Awards Gala held on January 10, 2012, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City

The Pan actress paired a Miu Miu Resort 2012 black cap-sleeved dress with a gorgeous pair of YSL pumps.

Rooney Mara's feet in patterned YSL pumpsRooney Mara’s feet in patterned YSL pumps

Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Joseph Marzullo / Jaime Espinoza / Avalon