Beyoncé spoke for a lot of Golden Globes viewers Sunday when she didn’t stand up for Joaquin Phoenix’s Best Actor win.

The singer-actress, who was nominated for Best Original Song – Motion Picture for The Lion King anthem “Spirit,” didn’t join in the standing ovation for Phoenix, who won for his role in Todd Phillips’ Joker.

There could be a variety of reasons as to why Beyoncé didn’t stand but for a lot of viewers her refusal to stand resonated because of the controversy surrounding the film. Joker, starring Phoenix as a troubled man who uses his victimization as an excuse to kill, was seen by some as an incel’s dream come to life. Shadow And Act’s Trey Mangum noted in his review how the film might be unsettling to those affected by gun violence, particularly mass shootings.

For whatever reason Beyoncé refused to stand, her action was quickly spotted and lauded by some eagle-eyed viewers.

“Beyonce sitting during the standing ovation for Joaquin Phoenix’s win is the type of energy I want to see from everyone in 2020,” wrote Sam Stryker on Twitter.

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Photo: Twitter

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