The following year , Phoenix starred in the satirical film '' Buffalo Soldiers '' ( 2001 ) as a U.S. Army soldier . The world premiere was held at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival in early September . However , because the film was a satire of the US military , its wider theatrical run was delayed by approximately two years because of the September 11 attacks ; it was finally released on July 25 , 2003 . Although the film was a box office flop , it was received with mostly positive reviews . Famed critic Roger Ebert praised Phoenix for his " spot-on performance " . Phoenix was nominated for the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Joaquin Phoenix