Fifteen years ago today, the Johhny Cash biopic, Walk the Line, garnered multiple awards at the 63rd annual Golden Globe Awards in 2006.
The film was nominated for three awards that night and won the categories for “Best Musical or Comedy Film.” Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon won for their portrayals of the “Man in Black” and June Carter Cash.
The film portrayed Johnny Cash’s rise as a musician and his whirlwind romance with longtime love, June Carter. Released after Cash and Carter passed away, the film served as a special memorial to their eternal legacy.
Walk The Line Sweeps The Awards Season With Multiple Wins
Released in November of 2005, Walk the Line grossed more than $187 million at the box office and reignited sales of Cash’s extensive catalog of music.
The movie also earned sweeping Oscar nominations at that year’s awards show. The film was nominated for five Oscars at the 78th Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Costume Design. Reese Witherspoon won the award that year for Best Actress.
During the awards show, the audience clapped along when Phoenix took the stage to give a rendition of Cash’s hit, “I Walk The Line.” Phoenix told Billboard that night, “Who would ever have thought that I would win in the comedy or musical category?” he said.
During the performance, Phoenix thanked “John and June for sharing their life with all of us.” Phoenix also used his vocals during the film’s musical segments.
“This film is really important to me,” said Witherspoon during her acceptance speech. “It’s about where I grew up, it’s about the music I grew up listening to, so it’s very meaningful.”
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the movie’s soundtrack was certified gold for U.S. shipments of 500,000 copies.
The Globes are awarded by the small Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which has about 80 members. In contrast, the Oscars has 5,800 film professionals that vote.
Phoenix and Witherspoon reunited at the 2020 Golden Globes, which created quite the stir for fans.
The reunion marked almost 15 years after the film’s release. They warmly greeted each other with smiles and held hands while on the red carpet.
