The reason why Brendan Fraser never attends the Golden Globe Awards

The actor Brendan Fraser, known for his performances in movies like “George of the Jungle” and “The Mummy” trilogy, was out of the film industry for several years.

However, last year he made a triumphant comeback not only to the cinema, but to a film that was recognized in several festivals. It is “The Whale”, a film in which he stars as a gay professor who suffers from obesity and depression and struggles to reconnect with his daughter.

Thanks to his performance, Fraser was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, which took place in January. Nevertheless, the acclaimed actor did not attend the ceremony. We explain the reason why.

Brendan Fraser expressed his intention of not attending the 2023 Golden Globe Awards:

Even before the Golden Globe nominations were announced, Fraser made it clear in the cover story of GQ’s November issue that he had no intention of participating if he was recognized for his performance in ‘The Whale’.

“I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. No, I will not participate,” Fraser said. “It’s because of the history that I have with them. And my mother didn’t raise me to be a hypocrite. They can call me many things, but not that,” he added.

And the actor kept his word, as even though he was nominated, he did not attend. However, he was not awarded, as Austin Butler took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Film for his performance in ‘Elvis’.

The reason why Brendan Fraser never attends the Golden Globes

Fraser has a history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that organizes the awards. In 2018, the actor alleged that Philip Berk, former president of the HFPA and a member of the group, touched him without his consent and sexually assaulted him in 2003. Berk denied the accusation.

Later, the HFPA issued a statement about their strong opposition to sexual harassment. Fraser said the HFPA informed him they would investigate the situation, but they proposed a joint statement that the actor refused to sign. It read:

“While it concluded that Mr. Berk inappropriately touched Mr. Fraser, the evidence supports that it was intended to be taken as a joke and not as a sexual assault.”

Meanwhile, after winning at the Critics Choice Awards and SAG Awards, Brendan Fraser is one of the favorites to win the Best Actor Oscar for ‘The Whale’ on March 12th.