Joaquin Phoenix, star of the controversial Batman villain origin story “Joker," has won the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture drama.

Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, an aspiring comedian who becomes a killer in the film, which was intended to stand apart from the existing movies and other versions of Joker in the DC Comics/Batman universe. Some critics called the movie irresponsible and too sympathetic to the plight of Fleck, a man who turns to violence as he feels attacked (and sometimes is attacked), unappreciated and misunderstood.

Phoenix, 45, and director Todd Phillips filmed scenes for the movie in New Jersey.

Market Street in Newark as well as both Journal Square — including the exterior of the Loew’s Jersey Theatre — and the William J. Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City represented various parts of 1980s Gotham City.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved $2 million in film tax credits for “Joker." The movie was also filmed in various parts of New York, including the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, where fans flocked to take photos in front of the long, distinctive stairs on Shakespeare Avenue where Fleck does his “Joker” dance.

Phoenix wins the award over best actor nominees Jonathan Pryce in “The Two Popes," Antonio Banderas in “Pain and Glory,” Christian Bale in “Ford v Ferrari" and Adam Driver in “Marriage Story."

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

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