The 28th Critics Choice Awards came and rewarded some of the best work the entertainment industry saw in the year. Actor Brendan Fraser, popular for his roles in movies like The Mummy, took home an award for Best Actor. He won the award for The Whale in which he played Charlie, an obese teacher looking for redemption.
If the actor winning the award wasn’t enough for the fans, his acceptance speech won the hearts of everyone who listened to it. Moving the audience (and his fans) to tears, Brendan Fraser thanked the director of the film and shared a special message to anyone struggling in their lives. His words not only received a standing ovation from the tearful audience but also made fans fall deeper in love with the actor.
Brendan Fraser Brings Everyone to Tears
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Whale follows the life of Charlie played by Brendan Fraser, the movie received immense praise for its story. Fraser, too, was on the receiving end of a lot of praise for putting out Charlie’s emotions with so much authenticity. The actor’s portrayal is so well-received that there seems to be an Oscar buzz surrounding him.
But for now, Fraser won the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor for the movie and it looks like it really means a lot to him. When his name was announced for the award, no one in the audience could have imagined that the happy moment is going to end up with almost the entire room crying, including Fraser. People on Twitter, too, couldn’t stop themselves from shedding a tear or two (or a waterfall).
In his acceptance speech, he stated that The Whale is about redemption and finding the light at the end of a tunnel. He thanked the movie’s ensemble and also director Aronofsky who found Fraser in the “wilderness” and led him to where he needed to be.
“This movie, The Whale, it’s about love, it’s about redemption. It’s about finding the light in a dark place and I’m so lucky to have worked with an ensemble that is incredible… Darren Aronofsky, I was in the wilderness, and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you’ve found me. And like all the best directors, you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be.”
After showing the team gratitude, Fraser put his focus on anyone going through any kind of struggle in their life. Whether the struggles are related to those of Charlie in the film or are completely different, Fraser’s words can be used as inspiration in any kind of scenario.
“If you, like a guy like Charlie, who I played in this movie, in any way, struggle with obesity, or you just feel like you’re in a dark sea. I want you to know that if you too, can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light. Good things will happen.”
Backstage, The Mummy actor stated that the award meant more to him than he could possibly describe with words. We don’t know about you but we can certainly relate to Fraser’s girlfriend, Jeanne Moore, who was seen applauding Fraser’s win as she burst into tears herself.
Brendan Fraser Wants to Change Hearts with The Whale
Fraser stated that he wanted to work with Aronofsky, adding who wouldn’t want to work with the director on such an emotional and fulfilling story. At the UK premiere of the movie at the BFI London Film Festival, Fraser stated that he wants to change the hearts and minds of everyone watching the movie when it comes to the topic of obesity. He openly challenged people to bring their preconceived notions of obesity to the theatres and have it changed. Fraser was absolutely sure of the impact The Whale’s storyline would have.
“I hope that we can change some hearts and minds. I hope that viewers bring whatever opinions or pre-conceived notions they have about those who live with obesity to the film and they are challenged by its content….I think Charlie is a real hero and I think he has a superpower too. He’s a man who can see the good in others when they can’t see that in themselves. Tragically, he can’t see it in himself, it takes his daughter to show him.”
If this wasn’t enough for you to want to go and watch the film, maybe this will. At the Venice Film Festival, The Whale’s premiere earned a six-minute-long applause from the audience. When Fraser, who has moved to tears thanks to the audience, tried to leave the theatre, he was met with even louder applause.
The Whale is currently in theatres.
Source: Twitter
