Flu-struck Phoenix misses Cannes premiere

CANNES, France, May 20 (UPI) -- A spokeswoman for Joaquin Phoenix said the Hollywood actor had to miss the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his new film "Two Lovers" because he has the flu.

The big-screen drama, which co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow, premiered at the festival on the French Riveria Monday.

"Joaquin has the stomach flu," his representative Susan Patricola told People.com. "He had his dog boarded, his tux in hand but couldn't even sit on the plane. He did go to the hospital to get hydrated, hoping he could get on the plane but he didn't stay there. He was so sick -- and so sorry he couldn't be there with everyone."