With all the alien invasions, sinking battleships and avenging superheroes going on at the box office right now, it might seem like a strange time to begin talking about Oscar buzz. But thanks to the brand new trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," the 2013 Oscar race has officially just kicked off.

And Joaquin Phoenix is leading the way.

Phoenix, of course, has been on a long, strange trip after disappearing down the rabbit hole five years ago to film his bizarre mockumentary passion project "I'm Still Here." Now, though, the Oscar nominated actor is finally back making dramas.

And from the looks of "The Master," he couldn't have picked a better project. Not only is it written and directed by acclaimed auteur Anderson ("There Will be Blood"), it also co-stars fellow Oscar darlings Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams — neither of whom, it should be noted, are anywhere to be seen in the new trailer.

No, this is all about the triumphant return of Joaquin Phoenix. Here it is, courtesy of the film's official website. Welcome back, Joaquin.