Joaquin Phoenix will receive the Chairman’s Award for his performance in “Joker” at the 31st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, it was announced Thursday.

“Joaquin Phoenix mesmerizes audiences in `Joker’ with a performance that elicits empathy and reminds society on the whole that we can be better,” said festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “For this performance, another in his arsenal of unforgettable characters, we are honored to present Joaquin Phoenix with this year’s Chairman’s Award.”

Phoenix, a three-time Oscar nominee for his roles in “The Master,” “Gladiator” and “Walk the Line,” will be presented with the Chairman’s Award by “Joker” director, co-writer and producer Todd Phillips at the festival’s Jan. 2 awards gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Festival officials announced last week that actress Renee Zellweger will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the biopic “Judy.”

The festival runs from Jan. 2 to Jan. 13.

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