At the last minute, Stiller decided to dress as Joaquin Phoenix at the Oscars on Sunday (February 22).
The actor was presenting an award with Natalie Portman for Best Cinematography. Stiller donned a beard, sunglasses and long hair, making reference to Phoenix’s recent appearance on the David Letterman Show.
Having not been too pleased with what was originally scripted for him, Stiller had a better idea in mind. A source told the New York Post, "Ben refused to tell them what he planned until he arrived at the Kodak Theatre, and then he did that Joaquin Phoenix bit."