PETA Honors Joaquin Phoenix <br />as Its Person of the Year.<br />The 'Joker' star is an outspoken proponent of the organization <br />for animal rights.<br />Since he was a child, the acclaimed actor has <br />practiced veganism.<br />Recently, Phoenix appeared on PETA billboards advocating for a ban on the use of circus animals.<br />The Oscar nominee is also a producer on the upcoming documentary 'The Animal People.'.<br />The film, which releases later <br />this month, focuses on <br />animal rights activism.<br />Joaquin Phoenix never misses an opportunity to turn the spotlight away from himself and onto animals' plight and to set a great example of walking the vegan walk, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk, via statement.<br />Past recipients of the PETA award include <br />Anjelica Huston, Oprah Winfrey <br />and Pope Francis.
