Jake grew up in an entertainment family; his father Stephen is a director, mother Naomi Foner is a screenwriter/producer, and older sister Maggie is a successful actress. Jake made his film debut at age 11 as Billy Crystal's son in the comedy City Slickers. His next role came in the romantic drama A Dangerous Woman, directed by father Stephen, wriiten for the screen by mother Naomi, and co-starring sister Maggie. He guest-starred on the TV crime drama "Homicide: Life on the Street", but his first big break came in 1999 when he landed role of young Homer Hickam in the dramatic biopic October Sky. His star turn as a wide-eyed, ambitious dreamer living in a small coal-mining town led to his acclaimed performance as the titular character in the cult hit sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko, in which sister Maggie played Donnie's sister. After a string of subtle-yet-powerful performances in a few independent projects, Jake's star hit mega-watt status for his powerhouse performance as gay cowboy Jack Twist alongside the late Heath Ledger in the critically acclaimed hit drama Brokeback Mountain, for which Jake earned a slew of award nods including Oscar and SAG, and National Board of Review and BAFTA wins. Afterwards, Jake portrayed real men in two more biopics: 2005's Gulf War drama Jarhead and 2007's true crime thriller Zodiac. Last October Jake was part of an all-star cast in the political drama Rendition. Though critically and popularly panned, the flick spawned a romance between Jake and co-star Reese, his first since his break-up with actress Kirsten Dunst in 2004.
Jake's upcoming projects include Brothers, a remake of Susanne Bier's war drama , co-starring Natalie Portman and Toby Maguire, due out in December, and the comedy Nailed, written by Kristin Gore, daughter of former Vice President Al Gore, co-starring Jessica Biel and James Marsden, currently filming. He is rumored to be cast in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Disney touted big screen adaption of the popular video game Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, as well as an as-yet-untitled sci-fi, lunar-themed project from Mr. & Mrs. Smith director Doug Liman.
Joaquin Phoenix was also born into a talented family. His late older brother River, older sister Rain, and younger sisters Liberty and Summer all got into the acting business at a young age. As a youngster, Joaquin decided to change his name to Leaf, to match his siblings nature-oriented names. Joaquin made his first appearance (as Leaf) on brother River's sitcom "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", based on the beloved musical of the same name. He made his big screen debut in the comedy SpaceCamp in 1986. His next big role came playing an angry teenager in the comedy Parenthood. He stayed out of the public eye for a while, until he was thrust back into it following the drug overdose death of brother River. His next two roles, as Nicole Kidman's obsessed fan in the dark comedy To Die For, and as one of two brothers courting three sisters in the romance Inventing the Abbotts, opposite Liv Tyler would earn the young actor, who had gone back to using his birth name, much critical acclaim. After several notable performances, Joaquin's rise to fame culminated with his chilling portrayal of scheming Emperor Commodus in 2000's epic Gladiator, earning him supporting actor Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Phoenix provided the voice Kenai in the 2003 Disney animated feature Brother Bear. 2005 proved to be the actor's biggest year yet, taking on the mammoth role of "The Man in Black", country and rock icon Johnny Cash, to massive acclaim in the biopic Walk The Line, earning him a Golden Globe win for best actor and Oscar and SAG nominations. Co-star Witherspoon took home the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Cash's long-time love June Carter. He also shared a Grammy win for the movie's soundtrack. Joaquin can be seen next in the romantic drama Two Lovers, co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow. So, who's hotter?
Jake
or
Joaquin
Look, drool, debate and VOTE!
Voting ends Monday, May 19 at 2pm PST.
UPDATE: The votes are in! Final Tally:
Jake: 0
Joaquin: 2
What?! Joaquin? Really? Wow....was not expecting that. Anyway, I think Jake is hotter. I've been crushing on him ever since I saw him in 'October Sky'. Thanks for voting. I am taking a break this week. A new post will be up late next Monday, May 26.
