Brendan Fraser gives emotional speech after collecting Critics Choice Award

Brendan Fraser accepted best actor at the Critics Choice Awards for his performance in “The Whale” with tears in his eyes, as he continues his return to prominence.

The 45-year-old beat out the likes of Austin Butler, nominated for “Elvis”, and Colin Farrell, nominated for “The Banshees of Inisherin”, with his portrayal of a depressed and morbidly obese man in director Darren Aronofsky’s latest offering.

Fraser, whose last leading role dates back to 2013, thanked Aronofsky with tears in his eyes as he accepted the award for his critically lauded role.

“I was in the wilderness and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me,” said Fraser.

“And like all the best directors, you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be.”

Fraser ended his speech with a powerful message as music began to play him off the stage.

“For anyone like Charlie, who struggles with obesity, or for anyone who just feels like you are in a dark sea: I want you to know that you too have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light, good things will happen,” he added.

Fraser gaining Oscar Awards buzz

Oscar nominations will be announced on Jan. 24, 2023 and Fraser is expected to be nominated for his performance in “The Whale”.

The movie follows Charlie, played by the 45-year-old, who tries to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter Ellie, played by Sadie Sink. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, earned Fraser a six-minute standing ovation.

It marks a return for Fraser, who made his name in the 90s by starring in “George of the Jungle” before striking gold with “The Mummy” franchise.

However, after a string of successes he stepped out of the limelight to deal with personal issues, which included multiple surgeries and the passing of his mother Carol.

Fraser didn’t attend the Golden Globes

Fraser’s performance in “The Whale” saw him nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes, with Butler coming out on top for his portrayal of Elvis Presley.

The 45-year-old was not in attendance after stating he would skip the event after claiming he was sexually assaulted by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)- the organization behind the awards.

“I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than I have respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” he told GQ in November 2022. “No, I will not participate.”