If you are a woman on a date with Mr Phoenix, and are having trouble over his difficult-to-pronounce first name (say WAA-KEEN), he would rather you use his nickname -- Kitten.
As for the rest of us not fortunate enough to know the man personally, guess we can just call him Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar nominee.
Last nominated as a supporting actor for Gladiator in 2001, this year Joaquin is tipped for the Best Actor trophy, for playing country music legend Johnny Cash in Walk The Line.
Here's a brief look at Joaquin's path to glory.
Text: Raja Sen
Photograph: Getty Images
Design: Reuben NV