Joaquin Phoenix turned in a critically praised performance in "The Master," but it seems he's not looking forward to any awards recognition.

Speaking with Elvis Mitchell for Interview magazine - a profile that calls Phoenix's role in the Paul Thomas Anderson film "a triumphal return to the movies" - the 37-year-old actor says he's just not into that whole "awards circuit" thing.

"I'm just saying that I think it's bull----. I think it's total, utter bull----, and I don't want to be a part of it," Phoenix begins. "I don't believe in it. It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life. I don't want this carrot."

It's not that he thinks he's "above" the awards aspect of being in Hollywood, but rather that he doesn't "want to get comfortable with that part."

"It's totally subjective," he continued. "Pitting people against each other ... It's the stupidest thing in the whole world. It was one of the most uncomfortable periods of my life when 'Walk the Line' was going through all the awards stuff and all that. I never want to have that experience again."