On Sunday night, Brendan Fraser could be seen welling up as he humbly accepted the Best Actor Award at the Critics Choice Awards. His emotion was evident and it’s clear that this meant a lot to him.
And after everything he went through, it’s understandable why he was so emotional.
In 2018, Brendan Fraser made the shocking revelation that Philip Berk, past President of the HFPA, had s**ually assaulted him in 2003. A confession that he later claimed led him to be blacklisted by Hollywood.
Fraser, who made a name for himself in the ‘90s, has since made a gallant comeback to the screen over the last few years. His film career has undoubtedly been revitalised by recent appearances in the hit movies No Sudden Move (2021) and most recently, The Whale (2022).
The latter has been a huge success, and as a result, he accepted the Best Actor Award at the Critics Choice Awards over the weekend.
As soon as his name was announced, Fraser was visibly overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry. He gathered himself in order to give his acceptance speech, though he was still filled with tears.
“Thank you for this honour, Critics Choice Association,” he said. “It was Herman Melville who once wrote that there are only 5 critics in America. The rest are asleep.”
He continued: “I don’t know what it means either. But I’m sure glad that you woke up for me,” adding: “Where were you for Furry Vengeance?”
This sparked an uproar of laughter from the audience, he then went on: “This movie, The Whale, it’s about love and 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 and includes Hong Chau, who should have her own movie based on every character she’s ever played.”
Fraser expressed his gratitude to Sadie Sink, the actress who portrays his daughter in the film.
“Who are you?” he said. “It took me thirty-two years to get here. Your talent. Ty Simpkins: You won every day. Sam Hunter, you’re my lighthouse. And Daren Aronofsky. I was in the wilderness. I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs. But you found me. And like all best directors, you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be.”
After paying tribute to his co-stars, Fraser concluded his moving speech with one last inspirational message to all those struggling with their mental health, “If you struggle with obesity or you just feel like you are in a dark sea, I want you to know that if you can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light, good things will happen. Thank you. Good night,” he concluded.
Understandably, his heartwarming words touched the audience, who gave a standing ovation to Fraser for the win.
It’s clear the whole experience has been emotional, as Fraser continued to gush over the reception he’s received since the film’s first showing.
He told ET backstage: “This is a good movie, I know that, that’s why I wanted to be a part of it. I’m overjoyed to be recognised with my cast,” adding: “If there are any questions in life that you don’t have the easy answers to, we have an obligation to not look away and it’s been my privilege.”
